Children for Change, the youth-led nonprofit founded by Kingston Marley—a South Florida native with Jamaican roots and a student-athlete at Miami Palmetto Senior High (Class of 2026)—has officially launched its 9th annual Gift an Education fundraiser campaign for the 2025–2026 school year. The campaign continues its mission to break down barriers to education for underserved students in Jamaica.
Kingston, the son of reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley and grandson of Bob Marley, first launched the initiative at just 9 years old, after attending his aunt’s Love Unlimited Summer Camp in Jamaica. Deeply moved by the struggles local youth faced—particularly the cost of textbooks, which are required but not provided for free in Jamaica’s public schools—he felt personally compelled to help. To him, those children were more than strangers; they were friends. That summer ignited a lifelong commitment, leading to the creation of Children for Change with the goal of ensuring equal access to education.
Now 17, Kingston has grown his grassroots initiative into a powerful force for good, providing thousands of textbooks to students in need across Jamaica. “Every kid deserves a fair shot,” Kingston says. “It starts with having the basics–like the books you need–to actually learn.”
In addition to this year’s textbook fundraiser, Kingston is preparing for their 2nd Giveback Getaway trip, a signature “voluntourism” trip where travelers are invited to explore the beauty and culture of Jamaica while taking part in hands-on service projects like painting schools, planting food gardens to help reduce the cost of school lunches, and community cleanups. “It’s a vacation with purpose,” Kingston explains. “You’re not just going to Jamaica–you’re connecting with the people, the culture and you’re doing something good while you’re there. That’s what makes it the best kind of trip.”
Kingston is also passionate about youth empowerment. This summer, Children for Change is introducing a new summer internship program for local high school students looking to earn community service hours for graduation, boost their college resumes, and gain real-world nonprofit experience. As a full-time student-athlete himself, Kingston understands the value of balancing academics, sports, and service—and hopes to inspire other teens to lead by example. “You’re never too young or too busy to make a difference,” he says.
Whether you donate, join the Giveback Getaway, or volunteer as an intern, Children for Change invites you to join a movement where young people are leading the charge for a brighter future in Jamaica.
To support the campaign or learn more, visit www.children4change.com.
