Fi We Children Foundation launches anti-violence school project

The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) launched the second year of its Mek Wi Reason: ADR in Schools project, with continued funding support from the government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The initiative aims to reduce school-based violence and foster a culture of peace by equipping students with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and peer mediation skills in two inner-city Kingston schools:, Tarrant High School and Charlie Smith High School.

The Mek Wi Reason project uses a gender-sensitive, rights-based approach grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It draws on well-established research demonstrating the effectiveness of peer mediation and conflict resolution programmes in improving school climate and reducing aggressive behaviour, while integrating gender-responsive pedagogy to address the different ways boys and girls experience and express conflict.

Speaking on the initiative, Africka Stephens, executive founder and attorney-in-waiting of the Fi We Children Foundation, stated, “Mek Wi Reason is about giving young people the tools to choose dialogue over violence and dignity over domination.

“By centring children’s rights and using a gender-responsive approach, we are not only addressing conflict in schools, but also nurturing emotionally intelligent leaders who can transform their communities. We are deeply grateful to the government of Canada for standing with us for a second year to invest in Jamaica’s children and safer-learning environments.”

The government of Canada reaffirmed its commitment to education, child protection, and peace-building through continued partnership with FWCF.

Mark Berman, high commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, noted, “Canada is proud to support the Fi We Children Foundation for the second consecutive year as it continues its important work to strengthen conflict-resolution and mediation skills in Jamaica’s schools through the Mek Wi Reason project.

“Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and human dignity, and by supporting this initiative, we are helping to ensure that Jamaican schools become safe, inclusive and respectful spaces where every child feels protected and supported to learn.

“Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, we remain committed to partnering with Jamaican communities to promote safer schools and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”

Over its five-month implementation period, with interim monitoring and a final impact assessment, the project is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Training of at least 100 students from Tarrant High School and Charlie Smith High School in peer mediation, conflict de-escalation, and gender-aware communication.

2. Certification of 20 peace officers per school (10 boys and 10 girls) to lead student-based conflict-resolution efforts.

3. Establishment of two sustainable, student-led ADR clubs, or collaboration with existing Interact and Key clubs, to promote ongoing peer engagement in peaceful dispute management.

4. A projected 25-per-cent reduction in violent incidents and suspensions over the academic year.

5. Improved emotional intelligence and social skills among participants, measured through pre- and post-programme evaluations.

6. Development of one Safe Schools Youth Toolkit to be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information (MOESYI) and the Ministry of National Security (MNS).

7. Quarterly “Credit Booster” workshops for certified teachers in conflict resolution, supporting professional development and safer school environments.

Key partners of the project include the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, UNESCO, Child Protection & Family Services Agenc, The University of the West Indies Mona, alongside the ministries of Education (Guidance Department), National Security, and Legal & Constitutional Affairs Restorative Justice Unit.

By integrating gender analysis with ADR tools, Mek Wi Reason advances the UNCRC’s mandate to ensure children’s rights to protection, participation, and development, empowering Jamaican youths as agents of peace and contributing to safer, more inclusive schools.