Students at the Swallowfield Primary and Infant School now have access to a therapeutic space at their institution, where they can also learn ways to promote peace, well-being, and conflict resolution.

A peace garden was formally handed over at a ceremony at the school, located at 11 Whitehall Avenue in Kingston, on September 13.

Nineteen entities collaborated with the National Education Trust (NET) to create the peace garden, which is designed as the space where students can manage emotions, de-escalate conflicts and develop critical conflict-resolution skills.

The project, valued at more than $1.7 million, not only provides a safe space for students but also enhances the school infrastructure. The reinforced perimeter fence has been decorated with an inspiring mural.

The new concrete drain will divert rainwater runoff from flooding neighbouring classrooms, and the calming resources, including water fountain, a wellness bench and landscaping will enhance the practical use and aesthetics of the peace garden, which the school will also use for training peace ambassadors.

In a message read by Director, Donor and Partnership Management, National Education Trust (NET), Keisha Johnson, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Executive Director, NET, Latoya Harris Ghartey, said the peace garden is not just a physical space but also a sanctuary, a place where students can manage their emotions, practise mindfulness and work through conflicts in a safe and supportive environment.

She said it is designed to help them find the tools within themselves to resolve their differences, calm their minds and build stronger emotional resilience.

Mrs. Harris Ghartey added that the garden offers them a space to express their feelings, work through their frustrations and develop their conflict resolution skills that will serve them not only at school but in life.

“Use it to find peace, to calm your mind, to work through your problems. Know that you are surrounded by the invested village of us here and so many others who care about your well-being and your success. Let us all continue to work together to create more space like this – spaces where every child can thrive emotionally, mentally and academically,” she said.

For her part, Guidance Counsellor at the institution, Kathandra Reid, said the concept for the space was launched during the school’s Peace Day initiative, which was held in March.

She noted, too, that the institution had projected one year for the completion of the project and lauded the partners for collaborating with the school for the undertaking.

“This has been a dream for a very long time… our schoolwide behaviour modification programme has been struggling to get our behaviour modification on the road and we had so many challenges with conflict resolution,” she said.

Other speakers included Brigade Executive Officer, Jamaica Defence Force, Lt. Col. Alicia Cooper Nelson; Programme Administrator, NCB Foundation, Jamilia Crooks-Brown; Director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Judith Leiba; President, Rotary Club of New Kingston, Dorett Campbell; and District Governor, Rotary International, District 7020, Dominique Bazin.

The handover marked the culmination of a Labour Day project, aimed at reducing conflict among students.

Leading up to Labour Day in May 2024, NET partnered with the Jamaica Defence Force to lay the groundwork and bring the design to life.

The JDF constructed the drainage system and created a paved walkway and ramp and reinforced the perimeter fence to ensure the long-term durability of the garden.

All building materials for the project were donated as well as the landscaping elements. NCB Foundation sponsored the water fountain, and the Rotary Club of New Kingston contributed the shades, mural, punching bags and garden gate to the space.