SIXTY-FIVE students graduated from the Food For The Poor (FFTP) Jamaica Band Camp on August 20, marking the programme’s largest cohort. Food For The Poor also celebrated 16 years of transforming young lives through music in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, and across Jamaica.

The milestone was made sweeter by the recognition of one of the programme’s Band Camp graduates 19-year-old Daina Craig.

Denise Jefferson, executive director of FFTP, praised the graduates for their commitment over the four-week camp.

“Your commitment, discipline and hard work have brought you to this moment. Music teaches much more than how to play an instrument — it builds confidence, teamwork, creativity, discipline and perseverance,” Jefferson said. “Today, we are especially proud to recognise Daina Craig, a graduate of our Band Camp, who placed third in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel Star 2026 competition.”

Jefferson noted that the programme reflects FFTP’s broader mission.

“Our work goes beyond meeting physical needs. We believe in investing in the whole person and creating opportunities for young people to discover their gifts and realise their potential. When we invest in our youth, we invest in Jamaica’s future,” she said.

For the past three years, the programme has been sustained by the continued support of the Sean Paul Foundation. That monetary and equipment support has helped the charity graduate hundreds of young musicians who have gone on to shape Jamaica’s music industry.

Steve Wilson, representative of the Sean Paul Foundation, said the organisation’s three years backing band camp have reinforced its belief in the programme’s deeper purpose.

Voted Most Outstanding Keyboardist at the Food For The Poor Jamaica Band Camp, Kayisha Skeene accepts her award from Sean Paul Foundation representative Steve Wilson. 

“Band Camp is a lot more than just about music. It’s a space for the drums to drown out your worries, for the melodies you create to weave into a sanctuary — a safe place to create,” Wilson told the graduates. “We know that Band Camp is a place where melodies breathe life into dreams and add volume to futures that were before thought to be impossible.”

Wilson said the size of this year’s graduating class was a source of particular pride. “Every year I worry it will be a few people, and when I see this crowd, it makes me feel like we are making a difference,” he said, before thanking parents for their support. He challenged the graduates to carry what they’ve learned forward. “The skills you have gained here… the discipline, teamwork, confidence and musical ability, will serve you throughout your life, whether you choose music or another path.”

Band Camp director Jeffery Brown credited the Sean Paul Foundation’s sponsorship with easing the financial burden on participating families. “Their generous support helped ensure the children are well taken care of by providing meals, transportation assistance, and stipends for the instructors,” Brown said. “This support relieved some of the financial challenges faced by the campers and their families, allowing the children to attend camp and fully participate without worrying about basic needs.”

Among the standout graduates was Kayisha Skeene, voted Most Outstanding Keyboardist despite having never played the instrument before joining camp.

“I wasn’t really too excited on the first day because I have a problem making friends, but as the weeks went by, everyone became a family to me,” Skeene said. “Winning Most Outstanding Keyboardist, I was shocked! I’d never played a keyboard before, and in three weeks I caught up to those who were there before.”

Her mother, Nyoka Murdock, said watching her daughter’s transformation over the four weeks was emotional. “By the second week she was getting up and getting ready for camp before even waking me up,” Murdock said. “When they called her name for Most Outstanding Keyboardist, I just broke down. It wasn’t just about the award, it was seeing four weeks of discipline, focus, and love for music pay off in one moment.”

Guest speaker and renowned music producer/composer Mikey Bennett urged the graduates to keep building on what they’d started. “Dream big but be prepared to make small steps. Your instrument must become your best friend,” Bennett said.

Over nearly a decade of partnership spanning multiple programmes, the collaboration between FFTP and the Sean Paul Foundation has left an indelible mark on thousands of young Jamaicans, proving that when opportunity meets talent, individual lives and communities are transformed.