Competition engages students in tackling gun violence

‘Music and Visual Art for Change,’ a competition aimed at engaging high school students in creating powerful messages against violence, particularly gun violence, has been launched by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

The initiative involves collaboration with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC).

Director of the Safety and Security in Schools Unit, Richard Troupe, said the Ministry is “deeply concerned about the proliferation of small arms in Jamaica and the vulnerability of our schools to this issue”.

“It is essential that we empower our young people to use their creativity to promote peace and encourage their peers to reject violence,” he said.

The competition encourages students to harness the performing arts to express their thoughts and feelings on gun violence.

By doing so, participants will contribute to a broader dialogue about the dangers of glorifying violence.

 Troupe said that schools across the country are currently preparing their entries for submission, with a ceremony scheduled for the end of November to showcase the creative pieces produced by the nation’s youth.

He expressed optimism that the initiative “will resonate deeply within communities and contribute to reducing violence in Jamaica.”Meanwhile, Director of UNLIREC, Soledad Urruela, in endorsing the competition, said that ‘Music and Visual Art for Change’ seeks to harness the transformative power of the creative arts to tackle the issue of gun violence.

“We want to emphasise that firearms are not symbols of power or strength and encourage young people in Jamaica to create art and music to promote peace.

“This initiative aims to build a positive narrative that stands against the normalisation of firearm violence,” she added.

Urruela is encouraging students between ages 12 and 19 to participate, get creative and take a stand against violence in the society.

UNLIREC is the only UN regional entity specialised in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation in the Latin American and Caribbean region.For more information about the Music and Visual Art for Change competition and how to participate, schools may contact the Safety and Security in Schools Unit at the Ministry of Education and Youth.