
The Trees for Peace Competition, a key component of the broader Peace Gardens Initiative, has garnered enthusiastic participation from over 140 schools across Jamaica.
Supported by the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) in collaboration with the Forestry Department, 4-H Clubs of Jamaica, and other partners, the initiative seeks to foster conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding within schools and their surrounding communities.
Jonelle Llewellyn, Research Associate at the VPA said that central to the competition is the establishment of peace gardens, tranquil spaces designed to symbolize and promote harmony. She said that participating schools are provided with seedlings, primarily ornamental trees, and, where available, fruit trees, to create these serene environments.
“These gardens serve as both physical and symbolic representations of peace, encouraging mindfulness and fostering positive social interactions among students and staff,” said Miss Llewellyn.
To ensure effective implementation and sustained engagement, Miss Llewellyn said a dedicated WhatsApp group has been established. The platform she said enables direct communication with school administrators, including principals, guidance counselors, and deans of discipline. Through this group, members share progress updates, exchange best practices, and discuss the psychosocial benefits of the peace gardens. These interactions emphasise the gardens’ dual role as environmental assets and tools for improving emotional well-being and cultivating a culture of peace, she said.
“The Peace Gardens Initiative is about more than planting trees; it’s about nurturing values that contribute to a harmonious society,” informed Miss Llewellyn. “By engaging students in this hands-on project, we’re teaching them the importance of teamwork, care for the environment, and conflict resolution.”
The initiative will reach an exciting milestone in early 2025, with preliminary judging of the peace gardens slated for February. Schools will be evaluated on criteria such as creativity, peace messaging, utility of the garden, and alignment with the initiative’s overall goals. Finalists will be invited to showcase their gardens in March during a celebratory event highlighting the transformative power of combining environmental stewardship with peace-building efforts.
“As the competition progresses, it continues to inspire students and educators alike, demonstrating the significant impact of integrating environmental care and conflict resolution into educational settings. The Trees for Peace Competition not only enriches school grounds but also plants the seeds of a more peaceful and sustainable future for Jamaica,” said Miss Llewellyn.
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