$21M VPA-Sandals Foundation program brings jobs, businesses to St. Ann communities

A three-year, $21 million social intervention program in two St. Ann communities has helped residents secure jobs, launch businesses and strengthen support systems for children and families, according to a new report from the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA).

The initiative, implemented by the VPA and Sandals Foundation in Steer Town and Chalky Hill from July 2023 to June 2026, focused on psychosocial support, child and youth resilience, economic empowerment, community engagement and positive masculinity.

According to the VPA's end-of-project report, 42 young people completed job readiness training, with 11 securing employment. Eight residents received entrepreneurship training, and six have since launched businesses.

Among them is Tallecia Murphy, founder of Fam's Printery and More, who became the first person in her family to formally register a company.

More than 50 men and boys also participated in the Big Man Ting Positive Masculinity workshop, which used discussions to address issues including communication, conflict, family relationships and men's roles in their communities.

Meanwhile, two Peace Gardens established at Steer Town and Chalky Hill primary schools remain in daily use, while 31 parents completed parenting workshops alongside a Child Resiliency Program.

“I see them thinking before they act now — especially one child who would usually storm out of class,” participating teacher Joan Brown said.

The programs were designed to complement each other, with children receiving psychosocial support also participating in Peace Garden activities, while young people completing job readiness training were connected with entrepreneurship support or employment opportunities.

The initiative also expanded psychosocial support following Hurricane Melissa while continuing its other programs.

Karen Zacca, director of operations at Sandals Foundation and project manager, said maintaining a presence in the communities over three years was important to the program's success.

“Real change in a community takes time and trust. Three years in, we're seeing it in the classroom, in the development of these new businesses, and in the way our men are showing up for their families,” Zacca said.

“We wanted to invest in something that would still be standing after we left — not just an event, but a system of support the community could carry forward. Three years later, that's exactly what we're seeing.”

VPA Project Coordinator Jonelle Llewellyn said one of the program's major achievements was encouraging men to rethink traditional ideas about masculinity and how they interact with their families and communities.

“Through Big Man Ting, men were encouraged to look honestly at how they communicate, respond to conflict, show up in their families and the kind of role models they want to be in their communities,” Llewellyn said.

“For me, positive masculinity is not about telling men how they should behave; it is about creating a safe space where they can reflect, challenge behaviours and beliefs they may have grown up with and recognise that there is always an opportunity for growth.”

She said that type of self-reflection can play a role in preventing violence and building healthier relationships.

Myles, a participant in the Big Man Ting program, said the initiative helped change his understanding of strength and vulnerability.

“For a long time, I measured my worth by my silence,” he said. “I thought being a man meant being an immovable structure that didn't flex, didn't complain, and certainly didn't show cracks.”

He said opening up about challenges instead of remaining silent helped him build stronger connections with others.

“I learnt that true strength isn't the ability to withstand pressure without changing; it's the resilience to adapt, to be vulnerable, and to be honest about where I am,” he said.

Organizers said several elements of the initiative are continuing beyond the formal end of the three-year project. The Peace Gardens are being maintained by the schools, teachers trained in trauma-informed approaches are applying the techniques in classrooms, and participants continue to operate businesses and pursue careers supported through the program.

Dwayne, who participated in the job readiness program, said the training gave him the confidence and skills to find employment.

“I never even knew how to start looking for a job. Now I have a plan, I have confidence, and I have work,” he said. “Three years ago, I couldn't have told you that.”