Education Ministry Intensifies Efforts to Keep Gangs Out of Jamaican Schools

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education is strengthening its efforts to protect students from gang recruitment and violence through the observance of Anti-Gang in Schools Week, being held from November 8 to 14, 2026.

The initiative, under the theme “Step Outta Gang, Step Inna Greatness,” seeks to educate young people about the dangers of gang involvement while encouraging them to pursue positive opportunities through education, leadership and personal development.

The week of activities was officially launched on Sunday, November 8, at Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston, bringing renewed attention to the influence of gangs on school communities and the need for coordinated intervention.

National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, highlighted troubling findings from a 2023 student survey, which revealed that approximately 20 per cent of respondents knew another student at their school who was involved in a gang.

The survey also found that 23.93 per cent of students did not know an adult at their school whom they could approach for assistance, raising concerns about the availability of trusted support systems for vulnerable children.

These findings underscore the importance of creating school environments where students feel safe, supported and confident enough to report threats, intimidation and attempts at recruitment.

Gang recruitment remains a serious concern, particularly as young people may be drawn into criminal networks through promises of friendship, protection, money or a sense of belonging.

Education officials are therefore placing greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention and helping students recognise the warning signs of gang activity before becoming involved.

Throughout the week, schools are expected to participate in educational sessions, motivational presentations, restorative activities and discussions designed to promote peaceful conflict resolution and responsible decision-making.

The programme also includes a town hall meeting at Spot Valley High School and a student poster competition intended to encourage young people to express their opposition to gangs through creativity and positive messaging.

The ministry’s approach highlights the importance of partnerships among educators, parents, churches, law enforcement agencies and community organisations in addressing the social conditions that can leave children vulnerable to criminal influence.

Beyond raising awareness, the initiative places attention on strengthening relationships between students and trusted adults, providing positive alternatives to gang involvement and encouraging a culture of accountability within schools.

The observance comes amid continuing concerns about youth violence and the influence of criminal organisations in some Jamaican communities.

As Anti-Gang in Schools Week progresses, the ministry’s message is that students should be given the guidance, protection and opportunities necessary to choose education and personal achievement over violence and criminal activity.

The broader challenge will be ensuring that the lessons and support offered during the week translate into sustained action throughout the school year.

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