You folks never cease to amazed me!
The orphanage is almost the middle of the island so I will do some checking on the charcoal availability in that area. I found a site by worldbank that is very interesting if your willing to sift through a long long document! it is about 20 years old but paints a decent picture of how charcoal is made and used specifically in Jamaica.
Jamaica charcoal study
As for scrap steel? I know they have some rebar scrap from the construction (never been real fond of rebar for forging but...) Another great question for me to talk with the missionary in charge about.
Those manuals sound like a great resource and I will see what I can find on them.
Thanks again and any other ideas or info is more than welcome!
James