The Sandals Foundation, which has positively touched 1.5 million lives over the last 15 years, is intent on building on the work it has done to improve the lives of people across the Caribbean.

With the support of team members, guests, corporate, community and travel partners, the foundation will harness “The Power of 15” to amplify its reach and effectiveness.

Past initiatives have focused on education, community development, and environmental conservation and as the foundation embarks on its next chapter, the commitment to empowerment and impact remains at the forefront. Across the region, its teams are working with local artists to create colourful murals of inspiration, cementing a positive message throughout the length and breadth of communities.

“Empowerment, to the foundation, means providing individuals and communities with the resources, skills, opportunities and the inspiration necessary to take control of their own destinies and effect positive change,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation.

“We are keen to ensure our programmes promote inclusive and equitable education opportunities, and foster economic growth through skills development and entrepreneurship support. Looking ahead to the next 15 years, we plan to scale up our work with the right partners, and lead by example in fostering thriving and holistic community programmes. Through strategic collaborations and innovative approaches, we will continue to drive positive change throughout the region.”

Reflecting on the journey of the philanthropic organisation, president of the Sandals Foundation and executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart expressed pride in the foundation’s evolution and achievements.

“From the beginning, our commitment to transformational projects has remained unwavering. We’ve witnessed first-hand the power of partnerships and the resilience of Caribbean people,” he said.

“The mission of the Sandals Foundation,” Stewart continued, “is deeply rooted in the belief that empowered Caribbean people can shape a brighter future for themselves, their communities and generations that follow. We have achieved significant milestones in this respect. Our endorsement by the United Nations Department of Communication as an organisation helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gave us great confidence in knowing that our work, while helping to solve local challenges, was also positively contributing to a broader global agenda.”

Established on March 18, 2009, the Sandals Foundation was created to harness new opportunities and expand upon the community outreach of Sandals Resorts International. The philanthropic organisation has since made significant strides in each of its core pillars of work: education, community development and environmental conservation.