Education ministry launches anti-gang in schools week

Anti-Gang In Schools Week, which is being observed from November 8 to 14, under the theme, ‘Step Out of Gang, Step Into Greatness’, got under way with a church service at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston, on Sunday (November 8).

The observance aims to encourage positive behaviours and choices among students and promote safer school communities.

In remarks at the launch, National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, noted that for many children in Jamaica, the influence of gangs is encountered long before they fully understand what gang membership means.

He said in certain circumstances, young people may associate gang involvement with protection, financial security, respect, or a sense of belonging.

Mr. Troupe pointed out that these perceptions can become influential when children are exposed to violence, intimidation, or limited opportunities for positive engagement.

“What makes this situation especially concerning is that gang recruitment can develop through relationships that initially appear harmless. An offer of friendship, assistance, or protection may gradually introduce expectations of loyalty and participation in activities that place a young person’s safety and future at risk,” he detailed.

The School Safety Coordinator emphasised that understanding these circumstances is essential to developing effective prevention strategies.

He pointed to statistics from the Ministry’s 2023 National Assessment of Perception of School Safety and Security, which indicated that 20 per cent of over 9,760 students from 331 schools surveyed, indicated that they knew another student at their school who was a member of a gang.

“Although this finding does not establish the actual prevalence of gang membership, it raises concerns about students’ reported awareness of gang involvement within the school communities,” Mr. Troupe said.

He said the same assessment also revealed that nearly 1 in 4 children or 23.93 per cent of students surveyed, reported that they did not know an adult at school whom they could approach when they needed help.

The Coordinator said students who encounter intimidation, threats, or pressure to participate in gang-related activities need somewhere to turn.

“This reinforces the importance of relationships in our schools. Teachers, guidance counsellors, deans of discipline, and school administrators must remain attentive to the concerns of students and establish environments in which seeking them is encouraged and supported,” Mr. Troupe affirmed.

He noted further that the responsibility for prevention extends beyond the schools’ compounds, as faith-based organisations have an important role in strengthening the protective relationships available to young people.

“Through mentorship, counselling, youth activities, or community outreach, churches can and have been providing guidance and support to engage with children who may otherwise struggle to find acceptance and support,” Mr. Troupe affirmed.

He said that parents and caregivers are equally important, as they are uniquely positioned to observe changes in friendships, unexplained possessions, increasing secrecy, or sudden behavioural changes that may warrant closer attention.

Mr. Troupe said although none of these signs should automatically be regarded as proof of gang involvement, they could be proof that something is not right.

“The priority must be to understand what children are experiencing, maintain open communication, and seek assistance when concerns are there,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, he noted that at the institutional level, the Ministry continues to work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other partners to promote school safety, strength, preventive interventions, and encourage positive student behaviour.

He said this collaboration is especially important given the wide international challenges posed by criminal gangs and criminal organisations.

“In the first quarter of 2025, police intelligence identified 85 active gangs across Jamaica’s 19 police divisions, compared to 120 during the corresponding period in 2024. While these figures reflected progress at that time, they also demonstrated the continuing presence of organised criminal activities within our communities,” Mr. Troupe stated.

He noted that the education sector remains committed to reducing opportunities for criminal influence to reach children, and to intervene appropriately when warning signs emerge.

Mr. Troupe said it is within this context that the Ministry is observing Anti-Gang In Schools Week 2026.

“Throughout the week, students and educators will participate in anti-gang lessons, educational workshops, restorative practice sessions, and motivational engagements. The programme also includes a townhall meeting that will be held at the Spot Valley High School in St. James, and the recognition of students through our first-ever anti-gang poster competition,” he detailed.

Mr. Troupe emphasised that these activities are intended to strengthen awareness of gang recruitment tactics, encourage peaceful resolution, and promote responsible decision-making.

He emphasised that stakeholders have a collective responsibility to ensure that children have the protection, encouragement, and opportunities necessary to make positive decisions.