Jamaica launches Anti-Gang in Schools Week
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has launched Anti-Gang in Schools Week 2026, calling for a united national effort to protect students from gang recruitment and encourage positive decision-making.
- The observance, being held from November 8 to 14 under the theme “Step Out of Gang, Step Into Greatness,” officially began with a church service at Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston on Sunday, November 8.
- Speaking at the launch, National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools Richard Troupe warned that many Jamaican children encounter gang influences long before they fully understand the consequences of gang membership.
- He noted that some young people may view gangs as a source of protection, financial security, respect or belonging, particularly when exposed to violence, intimidation or limited opportunities.
- “What makes this situation especially concerning is that gang recruitment can develop through relationships that initially appear harmless.
Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has launched Anti-Gang in Schools Week 2026, calling for a united national effort to protect students from gang recruitment and encourage positive decision-making.
The observance, being held from November 8 to 14 under the theme “Step Out of Gang, Step Into Greatness,” officially began with a church service at Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston on Sunday, November 8.
Speaking at the launch, National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools Richard Troupe warned that many Jamaican children encounter gang influences long before they fully understand the consequences of gang membership.
He noted that some young people may view gangs as a source of protection, financial security, respect or belonging, particularly when exposed to violence, intimidation or limited opportunities.
“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,” Troupe said.
He pointed to findings from the ministry’s 2023 National Assessment of Perception of School Safety and Security, which surveyed more than 9,760 students across 331 schools.
According to the assessment, 20% of students reported knowing another student at their school who was a gang member.
“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,” Troupe said.
The assessment also found that 23.93% of students did not know an adult at school whom they could approach when they needed help.
Troupe said the findings underscored the importance of strengthening relationships between students and trusted adults, particularly for children facing intimidation, threats or pressure to participate in gang-related activities.
He urged teachers, guidance counselors, deans of discipline and school administrators to create supportive environments where students feel comfortable seeking assistance.
The school safety coordinator also emphasized the role of parents, caregivers and faith-based organizations in preventing gang recruitment.
He encouraged parents to pay attention to changes in their children’s friendships, unexplained possessions, increased secrecy and sudden behavioral changes, while cautioning that these signs do not necessarily indicate gang involvement.
“The priority must be to understand what children are experiencing, maintain open communication, and seek assistance when concerns are there,” he said.
Troupe noted that the ministry continues to collaborate with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety initiatives and preventive interventions.
He cited police intelligence showing that Jamaica had 85 active gangs across its 19 police divisions during the first quarter of 2025, down from 120 during the corresponding period in 2024.
While acknowledging the reduction, he warned that organized criminal activity continues to pose a threat to communities and young people.
“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,” Troupe said.
As part of Anti-Gang in Schools Week, students and educators will participate in educational workshops, anti-gang lessons, restorative practice sessions and motivational activities designed to promote peaceful conflict resolution and responsible decision-making.
The week’s activities will also include a town hall meeting at Spot Valley High School in St. James and the recognition of students participating in the ministry’s inaugural anti-gang poster competition.
Troupe said the initiatives are intended to help students recognize gang recruitment tactics while encouraging them to pursue positive alternatives.
He reiterated that protecting children from criminal influences requires a collective effort involving schools, families, churches, law enforcement and communities to ensure young people have the support and opportunities needed to make positive choices.
