VPA President Dr. Elizabeth Ward (right) assists Denisia Palmer with her artwork during Family Fun Day.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Children, parents, teachers, community leaders and residents recently gathered at Grants Pen Peace Park in Kingston for a family fun day aimed at strengthening peace, promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering greater community engagement.
Organized by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) in collaboration with the Grants Penn Community Policing Management Committee, the event included soccer competitions, visits to 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 is part of ongoing efforts to encourage peacebuilding, youth development and family wellness within the Grant Penn community.
Addressing the gathering, VPA member Busy Campbell encouraged the children to adopt peace as a way of life and resist negative influences in their environment.
Campbell said, “Peace is more than just the absence of fighting. Peace is kindness. Peace is respect. Peace is helping each other instead of hurting each other.”
He reminded the children that they have unique gifts and talents and the ability to choose a positive future no matter what challenges they face.
Campbell said peace begins with simple everyday actions such as speaking kindly, respecting parents and teachers, helping others, and resolving conflicts without violence.
He said, “When you choose peace, you become a leader. A peaceful child grows up to be a strong adult. A peaceful classroom makes a peaceful school.”
Member of Parliament for St Andrew North East, Delroy Chuck, praised organizers 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 appreciated the efforts of community leaders, teachers, church representatives and police in making this initiative a reality.
“The police are doing an excellent job and we have enjoyed a relatively peaceful period in many communities,” Chuck said. “If Grants Penn can be peaceful, all of Jamaica can be peaceful.”
He urged children to become ambassadors of peace, noting that their actions can send a strong message to communities across the country.
The region’s People’s National Party caretaker Stacey Knight also welcomed the initiative and expressed her joy to see children and teachers taking part in activities focused on peace and healthy development.
He said programs like Family Fun Days provide positive experiences to children and help create an environment where they can thrive despite the challenges they face.
VPA President Dr. Elizabeth Ward underlined the importance of building 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 foster respect. This reinforces the values that contribute to safer, more peaceful communities. Initiatives like this Family Fun Day demonstrate that violence prevention starts by investing in our children and fostering strong, supportive communities,” he said.
Throughout the day, children enthusiastically participated in sports activities and creative exercises like arts and crafts, while parents and residents availed health services like blood pressure and sugar testing and interacted with community partners.
Annette McNeish, Principal of Little Angels Early Childhood Centre, lauded the initiative, saying 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 foster a sense of community as it brought everyone together in a positive and meaningful way. Activities like this encourage greater support from residents and partners, creating excitement for the children. Learning extends beyond the classroom, and events like this provide them with valuable opportunities to socialize, collaborate and build confidence,” he said.
Other partners supporting the event included Island Diaries, CARIMED, R&D Stewart Foundation, Recycle Partners of Jamaica, National Health Fund, Social Development Commission and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
