This newspaper has repeatedly applauded efforts at community organisation and development at lower socio-economic levels.

We have felt particularly uplifted by the work of the private sector-driven Project Star, which anecdotal evidence suggests is having significant impact in targeted urban and rural areas.

We hear that positives include building trust between the authorities — not least the police — and ordinary folk. This hold much potential in the mission to reduce crime and engender a greater sense of good order and well-being.

Indeed, the stories at the infancy of Project Star was that it was largely inspired by an initiative from local level police leadership in Salt Spring, St James. A breakfast programme for schoolchildren became a priceless tool used by local police officers to connect with residents of that community a few years back.

With the proactive support of business leaders, Project Star has extended its reach to include increased employment opportunities for people in under-resourced communities.

Crucially, too, there is emphasis on skills training in partnership with the State-run HEART/NSTA Trust.

We are pleased that parenting training falls under the overall umbrella of Project Star.

We often hear complaints and lamentations that our children are not being brought up properly. But, the truth is, a significant number of adult Jamaicans find themselves with little or no idea how to be good parents, having themselves been poorly socialised. Breaking that cycle of ignorance is absolutely essential.

Also, organised sport is a tried and trusted way of nurturing good community vibes. Its clearly an essential tool for Project Star.

A vital outgrowth of proactive programmes such as this is the maturing of local level leaders to ensure initiatives are sustained. Hence our satisfaction at news on page nine of our Thursday edition that five community leaders in Rose Gardens, downtown Kingston, have been recognised by Project Star for their contribution to the ongoing development of their community.

We are told that Ms Annette Hill has been using netball as part of a behavioural and confidence-building effort for eight- to 18-year-old girls.

Her comment that, “When they saw me being a part of it, they knew it couldn’t have been about politics… it was about the people in this place”, underlines the irreplaceable value of home-grown, grass roots inspiration.

Ms Tenecia Cole is said to be at the forefront of family support in Rose Gardens through the community’s parenting club, engaging, counselling, and giving practical support to parents.

Mr Kristoff James mentors young men using football to promote discipline, purpose, and a culture of participation. We are told he has also “championed” skills training and job readiness.

Ms Alaya Ferguson is said to be a community mobiliser who volunteers to support a wide range of activities from outreach and event coordination to training sessions.

Mr Jason Longmore is portrayed as a role model who, we are told, has “opened his home to teach carpentry skills during the summer months…”

We are grateful to those who saw it fit to formally recognise these servants and applaud their work. We know that there are many others across this land who operate similarly with little or no recognition. Yet, they too are encouraged to keep doing for the greater good of community and country.

Formally recognised or not, these exemplars should know they are all heroes and invaluable nation-builders.