KINGSTON, Jamaica-The auditorium at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home came alive recently with performances for its Christmas showcase as the children danced and performed drumming pieces in celebration of the Christmas season.

Among the performances were drumming pieces done by students who participated in the Drumming for Peace Initiative, implemented by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA). The initiative has been in the school since earlier this year and is aimed at enabling students to express themselves in positive ways while redirecting negative energy and suppressing undesirable behaviours.

An 18-year-old female at the home said the journey into drumming began with uncertainty. “When I first started, I was worried and said I can’t do it,” she shared. “But when I finally caught it, I said, ‘Yes, this is very easy.”

According to her, she especially enjoys the physical connection to the instrument.

“How you hold the drum and beat it,” she explained. She added that drumming has helped her to express her feelings “in a good way” and has also made it easier to form friendships with other participants. “Yes, I made friends, and it was easy,” she said.

Nellisa Asphall, administrator at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, says the programme has had a meaningful impact on the children’s emotional and behavioural development.

“The Drumming for Peace Initiative has been a valuable addition to our programmes,” she said. “We have seen improvements in the children’s confidence, focus and emotional expression. It provides them with a safe, structured outlet to release their feelings while learning discipline, teamwork and respect.”

The initiative is facilitated by veteran drummer and tutor Milton Bonner, who has more than 20 years of experience. Bonner said his involvement is rooted in both his love for children and his belief in the therapeutic power of drumming.

“Drumming is therapy,” Bonner stressed. “This initiative from the VPA is about helping students change negative behaviour into positive energy and giving them another avenue to express themselves through the drums, which are also part of our African culture and heritage.”

He described the drum as a powerful symbol of life and connection.

“The drum has three spirits: the spirit of the animal the skin comes from, the spirit of the tree it is made from, and the spirit of the person playing it. When they come together, it creates a strong life force,” he argued.

Bonner explained that sessions are carefully structured to be inclusive of different ages and learning abilities, starting with simple rhythms and gradually building skills and confidence. Since the programme began, he has observed noticeable changes in participants.
“I’ve seen their self-esteem improve,” he said. “Some of them couldn’t play before, and now they’re playing and feeling proud of themselves.”

Looking ahead, Bonner believes the initiative has strong potential to contribute to long-term peacebuilding.

“Students who used to be in conflict are now working together as a team,” he noted. “They learn to listen to each other, play together and support one another.”

As the final drumbeats echoed through the auditorium and the children took their bows, the Christmas showcase offered more than festive entertainment.

Bonner pointed out that it stood as a powerful demonstration of how rhythm, culture and care can come together to nurture healing, unity and peace one beat at a time.

The Drumming for Peace Initiative is supported by funding from the American Friends of Jamaica.