KINGSTON, Jamaica—Children, parents, educators, community leaders and residents gathered at the Grants Pen Peace Park in Kingston recently for a family fun day aimed at strengthening peace, promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering greater community engagement.

The event, organised by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) in collaboration with the Grants Pen Community Policing Management Committee, featured football competitions involving five basic schools, an arts and crafts corner for children, and a health station that provided information and services to families.

According to a release from VPA, the initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to encourage peacebuilding, youth development and family wellness within the Grants Pen community.

Addressing the gathering, VPA member Busy Campbell encouraged the children to embrace peace as a way of life and resist negative influences in their surroundings.

“Peace is more than just the absence of fighting. Peace is kindness. Peace is respect. Peace is helping one another instead of hurting one another,” Campbell said.

He reminded the children that they possess unique gifts and talents and have the ability to choose a positive future regardless of the challenges they may face.

Campbell noted that peace begins with simple everyday actions such as speaking kindly, respecting parents and teachers, helping others and resolving conflicts without violence.

“When you choose peace, you become a leader. A peaceful child grows into a strong adult. A peaceful classroom builds a peaceful school,” he added.

Member of Parliament for St Andrew North East, Delroy Chuck, praised the organisers and community stakeholders for their commitment to building a safer and more united community.

He described the event as a powerful symbol of peace and unity and commended the efforts of community leaders, educators, church representatives and the police in bringing the initiative to life.

“The police have been doing an outstanding job, and we have enjoyed a relatively peaceful period across many communities,” Chuck said. “If Grants Pen can be peaceful, all of Jamaica can be peaceful.”

He urged the children to become ambassadors of peace, noting that their actions can send a strong message to communities across the country.

People’s National Party caretaker for the area, Stacey Knight, also welcomed the initiative and expressed her pleasure at seeing children and teachers participating in activities focused on peace and healthy development.

She noted that programmes such as the family fun day provide positive experiences for children and help create environments where they can thrive despite the challenges they may encounter.

Dr Elizabeth Ward, chair of the VPA, underscored the importance of cultivating peace from an early age and creating spaces where families and communities can connect.

“Peace is built through relationships, trust and a shared sense of belonging. When children, parents, schools and community partners come together in a positive environment, we create opportunities to strengthen social bonds, and promotes respect. This reinforces the values that contribute to safer, more peaceful communities. Initiatives such as this family fun day demonstrate that violence prevention begins with investing in our children and fostering strong, supportive communities,” she said.

Throughout the day, children participated enthusiastically in sporting activities and creative exercises such as art and craft, while parents and residents accessed health services such as blood pressure and sugar tests and interacted with community partners.

Anette McNeish, principal of Little Angel’s Early Childhood Centre, commended the initiative, noting that it provided an opportunity for children, parents, community members and partners to interact and strengthen their relationships while promoting teamwork among the children.

“It helped to foster community spirit because it brought everyone together in a positive and meaningful way. Activities like these encourage greater support from residents and partners while creating excitement for the children. Learning extends beyond the classroom, and events such as this give them valuable opportunities to socialise, collaborate and build confidence,” she said.

Other partners supporting the event included Island Diaries, CARIMED, the R& D Stewart Foundation, Recycle Partners of Jamaica, the National Health Fund, the Social Development Commission and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.