THE SOS Children’s Villages Community Connect event, hosted at the AC Hotel Kingston on March 28, 2025, successfully united key stakeholders, partners, and supporters to advance initiatives that promote the well-being and development of Jamaica’s children and youth.

The evening featured impactful presentations from Kristen Laing, public relations manager at Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA); Hyacinth Blair, senior director of the Children’s Affairs Policy Division at the Ministry of Education; and Marjory Kennedy, board member and director at SOS Children’s Villages. Attendees participated in meaningful discussions on strengthening community engagement and sustainable support, in alignment with SOS’ enduring mission to provide family-like care for vulnerable children.

SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica is a member of SOS Kinderdorf International, the largest private child welfare organisation in the world. It is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, and families across Jamaica. Key impact goals include transforming 1,000 lives annually by expanding reach to positively impact children, youth, and family members through integrated support programmes; building stronger families by preventing family separation and strengthening vulnerable households in two targeted communities through proven family empowerment programmes; and empowering youth for success by equipping 100 young people annually with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to achieve economic independence and break cycles of poverty.

The SOS Community Connect event underscored the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change, reinforcing the collective responsibility to build a brighter future for Jamaica’s youth.

AC Hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing Sashelle Gordon reinforced the importance of corporate support in sustaining impactful community programmes.

Sean Patrick, fund development & communications representative at SOS Children’s Villages, thanked Scotiabank, CPFSA, and the Ministry of Education for their unwavering support.

“Currently, SOS provides a family-like environment for 91 children. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch PEPUp in August 2025, a holistic initiative addressing disparities in academic matriculation by providing counselling, nutrition, and academic support,” he said.

“Additionally, through our YouthRISE partnership with Scotiabank, we are equipping 180 young people with career-building programmes to prepare them for the future.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education underscored the importance of collaboration in child development in a statement.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. It truly takes a village to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The ministry is proud to support initiatives like SOS Community Connect, which align with our mission to safeguard children’s well-being and foster holistic development.”

The event also highlighted the transformative impact of SOS’ support through inspiring testimonies from past and present programme participants, including Anthony Harriott, Gizal Dennis, and Michael Sutherland, who shared their journeys and expressed gratitude for the support they received.