Violence Prevention Alliance Officially Launches Trees for Peace Campaign

The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) Jamaica, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY), has officially launched the ‘Trees for Peace’ Campaign for 2024.

The launch took place at Kingston High School recently, under the theme ‘Building a Culture of Peace’. Schools across the island are being invited to participate in this campaign by creating ‘Peace Gardens’.

These dedicated spaces should be designed to foster peace, promote conflict resolution, and encourage environmental stewardship.

These gardens will serve as sanctuaries for reflection and emotional well-being, contributing to a school environment where violence is less likely to thrive.

In a bulletin issued by the Ministry of Education and Youth, it is noted that the Trees for Peace campaign aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.4, which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence.

More than 100 schools in Jamaica have already benefited from the Peace Gardens initiative, showcasing the positive impact these restorative spaces have on student behaviour and community engagement by merging peace education with environmental initiatives.

Deadline for the submission of applications to the Education Ministry to participate is Friday, October 11, 2024.

This initiative encourages collaboration among students, parents, and community members to establish lasting symbols of peace and sustainability.

Support for the Trees for Peace campaign is vital in fostering a culture of peace that extends beyond the school environment and communities to cultivate an atmosphere of non-violence and understanding.