Child Resiliency Programme Trained 42 Students in Peace Resiliency and Wellness

Forty two students from the Peace Institute at the International University of the Caribbean (IUC) were trained in building Peace, Resiliency and Wellness (PRW).

The PRW has been integrated into the Masters in Educational Administration, the Bachelors of Education and Guidance and Counselling courses at the university.

The training was completed recently as the CRP continued in the provision of training in building PRW to university students and to those persons involved in providing care for children “at risk” or emerging from trauma.

The Child Resiliency programme has also continued to build Resiliency in children and their parents at Boys Town and Mountain View Primary for the January-March school term.

The cohort of 60 referred children ages 10 to 11 years identified to be “at risk”; from Edward Seaga, Trench Town , Boys Town

St Alban’s and St Annie’s Primary were continued to be supported at Boys Town and another 25 children identified to be at risk supported at Mountain View Primary School.

Literacy and nutritional support, life skills training, creative activities and sporting activities to reinforce life skills training and parent training, counselling and home visits for the families of the children referred were provided. The follow up of football talent continued this term with 12 CRP children competing on Saturdays at the Constant Spring football field.

This term culminated in Sports Day and Medal Awards Ceremony held on March 28-29 at both sites. The Boys Town and Mountain View Primary School sites continue to serve as community-based and in-school models respectively for research and practicum learning assignments for the university students.

Child Resiliency Programme Sports Day and Medal Awards Ceremony

Creatives for Peace Competition Culminates With Top Three Talents Emerging

Calvin Palmer (K-Palmer), Raymond Gallimore (U See It), and Alfred Thompson (Shady Natural), winners in the Creatives for Peace Competition are elated to have emerged the top three winners from a field of 125 contestants who entered the competition.

Creatives for Peace was established in 2022 as an initiative between the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), Island Coffees Limited and other community based organisations. The competition which culminated recently sought to enable at-risk youths from inner-city communities to become positive influencers and role models for their peers and the younger generation through creative arts.

For Calvin Palmer, who was placed first in the competition, this is a great accomplishment for him. “When I came first in the competition, I realized that it takes preservation and hard work and I feel good within myself. I feel a level of accomplishment as I can tell my children about it to encourage them,” he said.

‘Healthy Behaviour for

The 35 year-old who is from Jones Town said that he hopes that the competition will open more doors of opportunity for him. He is currently in preparation mode to enter the Jamaica Cultural Development Competition this year.

“The outcome of the competition was excellent. I really worked hard and I invested in myself. I would love if they

Project Implemented

Some 150 persons in Trench Town, Rose Town and Jones Town were engaged through a mobile health clinic and provided counselling services during a community pop-up event organised by the VPA and Children First.

The event, which was held in February was facilitated through a grant from the Aids Health Foundation to implement the Healthy Behaviour for Life Project. This was to raise awareness about the project’s objectives and proposed activities. The event saw members of the communities receiving HIV/STI testing, counseling, condoms, as well as participated in activities geared towards exploring and building knowledge on 'Safe Sex'. , tailored for persons aged 16-24 years old.

Workshops are currently being undertaken, focusing on the topics: Sexual Reproductive Health, Conflict Resolution, Peer Pressure, Drug & Substance Abuse, Self Esteem and Goal Setting.

could have the competition again because it helped to motivate young persons in city communities,” he

Raymond Gallimore who placed second in the competition was equally happy.

“I feel good about it,” he said, noting that he enjoyed performing songs from different genre in the finals. He said his favourite genre was Ska.

Alfred Thompson, third place winner said his lyrical content and strong positive music gave him the edge above his other competitors and aided him in placing third.

“I enjoyed the free spirit of the competition. You got the opportunity to showcase your talent, and express yourself,” said the resident of Jones Town.

VPA Team Participates in EU 5KRun

ping stone for greater things which