Peace Day Celebrated Under the Theme ‘Speak Peace, Live Peace’

Students and teachers at Chalky Hill Primary School take a group photo with Jonelle Llewellyn (back row, at right), Research Associate at the Violence Prevention Alliance

Peace Day 2025 was celebrated on Tuesday, March 4, under the theme 'Speak Peace, Live Peace.' The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), in collaboration with its partners, had a series of activities to mark the occasion.

One of the key events took place at Chalky Hill Primary School in St. Ann, where the VPA partnered with the Sandals Foundation to promote peace education among students. Dr. Deanna Ashley, Executive Director of the VPA, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its role in instilling positive values in young minds.

“As we celebrate Peace Day, we reinforced the importance of kindness, respect, and unity among students. This partnership was a meaningful way to encourage them to actively embrace peace in their daily lives,” said Dr. Ashley.

The event at Chalky Hill Primary featured student performances, poetry recitals, and drumming, all in observance of the day’s theme. A symbolic peace chain activity which saw students transitioning from their grade lines into a large circle, exchanging peace gestures—such as handshakes, fist bumps, or high fives—while chanting, “Speak Peace, Live Peace.”

Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Sandals Foundation delivered remarks and messages of support for the initiative.

Meanwhile, Peace and Love in Society (PALS) hosted a Peace Day Concert at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston in observation of the day. The concert featured student performances and presentations by peace advocates, aimed at fostering conflict resolution and peace-building skills among youth.

Dr. Ashley emphasised that Peace Day serves as an opportunity for national reflection on values such as kindness, respect, and unity.

“Schools were encouraged to have students create peace messages that not only decorate their classrooms but also promote a culture of peace. These activities play a crucial role in raising peace awareness and encouraging students to integrate these values into their daily interactions,” she stated.