Peace and Love in Schools (PALS) has received a $500,000 donation from BIGGA to support the continued implementation of its Peace Ambassadors Programme at Kingston High School, as the organisation seeks to strengthen school-based conflict resolution and create a model that can be scaled to other institutions. 

The cheque handover took place on Wednesday, June 24, at the Wisynco Group Limited St. Catherine-based headquarters, which manufactures and distributes the BIGGA brand.

The donation will fund the ongoing engagement of a certified PALS trainer to work with Kingston High School beyond the initial training period. The support is intended to help the school sustain the programme, train additional student peace ambassadors, and build the internal capacity needed for the initiative to continue as part of the school’s culture.

Janilee Abrikian, General Manager, PALS, said the contribution addresses one of the most pressing gaps in school intervention programmes, which is the need for continued support after training has started. “This donation is timely and extremely necessary because many times, when we receive funding, it is for a defined period, and then we are not able to follow up in the way schools need,” Abrikian said. “Schools continue to need support after the first phase. This funding allows us to return, monitor the programme, support the trainer, and help the school build the capacity to sustain the Peace Ambassadors Programme over time.”

Abrikian said the Peace Ambassadors Programme is especially important because it equips students to become positive peer leaders within their schools. “Peace Ambassadors are trained to help their peers work through conflict, but that is not something that happens overnight. It requires guidance, practice, and continued support,” she said. “This donation helps us to provide that follow-up support, train new batches of students, and move the programme closer to sustainability.”

Tiffany Simmonds, Brand Manager, BIGGA, said the brand’s support reflects its commitment to investing in young people and programmes that can contribute to safer school communities. “BIGGA is pleased to support PALS and the work being done through the Peace Ambassadors Programme,” Simmonds said. “As a Jamaican brand, we recognise the importance of supporting initiatives that help students develop life skills, manage conflict in more appropriate ways, and contribute positively to their school communities.”

Simmonds said the partnership is also aligned with BIGGA’s wider interest in supporting programmes that have a practical and lasting impact. “This donation supports a programme that is helping young people learn how to respond to conflict differently,” she said. “We are happy to play a part in strengthening that work at Kingston High School and in supporting a model that can benefit other schools in the future.”

PALS has been operating in Jamaica for 32 years, with a focus on conflict resolution, alternatives to violence, behaviour modification, peer mediation, anger management, problem solving, and emotional intelligence. The organisation works with both primary and secondary schools, training teachers and students to better manage conflict and promote more peaceful school environments.