KINGSTON, Jamaica-In the heart of Rose Gardens, a quiet transformation is underway, one that places families at the centre of community change.

Recognising that weak family structures was one of the most pressing issues facing residents, Project STAR partnered with the Youth For Development Network (YFDN) to equip parents with leadership skills for crime prevention through its Rose Gardens Parenting Group.

As part of the initiative, 20 parents participated in a three-day workshop recently, facilitated by Andre Wilson, executive director of YFDN. The training, entitled “Leadership for Parents in Crime Prevention,” introduced key concepts such as leadership’s role in community safety, effective leadership styles, and strategies for fostering positive change at home and in the wider community.

Sharise Staines-Appleby, community services lead, emphasised that the intervention was a direct response to residents’ concerns identified during the development of the Rose Gardens Community Transformation Action Plan.

“It is as a result of this feedback and the broader understanding that a strong society and a transformed community is heavily reliant on well-balanced and functional families,” she explained.

Wilson echoed the importance of leadership within the family unit.

“The training focused on empowering parents as leaders, highlighting the impact of effective communication, leadership qualities, and leading by example,” he said. “We created a safe space where parents could openly share their experiences and learn from one another. This openness was one of the most positive aspects of the engagement.”

The workshop provided practical tools for parents to navigate their roles as influencers in their homes and communities. Participants engaged in discussions on overcoming personal challenges and explored ways to apply their newfound leadership skills in daily life. Wilson said that the session concluded with a call to action, encouraging parents to implement their learning both within their households and the broader community.

“I feel more confident as a parent [following the training]. I’ve already started using what I’ve learned, and I see a difference in how my family interacts,” one participant shared.

The initiative does not end here. The participating parents will undergo further training to become parent mentors through the National Parenting Support Commission and the Violence Prevention Alliance.

Staines-Appleby said that this next phase aims to build awareness, enhance communication, and strengthen interpersonal relationships among families in Rose Gardens.

“With dedicated parents stepping forward as agents of change, Rose Gardens is poised for a brighter future, one where strong families lay the foundation for a safer, more resilient community,” she said.