In Jamaica, where crime and violence remain critical issues, literacy has emerged as a powerful counter weapon for change. 

The European Union (EU), in partnership with the ministries of national security education through the Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL) Foundation, is championing the transformative power of education with student-focused literacy workshops in the framework of the Citizen Security Plan. 

The third staging of the EU-JA 5K & 10K Run aims to raise awareness of these critical issues while also funding literacy interventions that target one of the root causes of youth marginalisation and inequality that could lead to violence.

Proceeds from the race will directly benefit five schools – Cockburn Gardens Primary, Calabar Primary, Whitfield Primary, Greenwich All-Age School, and Tavares Gardens Primary School – empowering students through education and fostering safer, stronger communities across Jamaica.

As the island continues to confront the alarming connection between low literacy rates and crime, organisations like the Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL) Foundation, a non-profit educational initiative, are proving to be a lifeline for at-risk students.

The foundation, endorsed by the education ministry, has made significant strides in improving literacy through its research-based instructional programmes. These interventions have transformed classrooms across Jamaica, especially in vulnerable communities where students have previously struggled with basic reading skills. 

Commenting on this issue, EU Ambassador to Jamaica Dr Erja Askola said, “When children learn to read, they gain the power to change their lives and their communities. Our goal is to partner with the Government of Jamaica to improve literacy in schools, fostering youth engagement and paving a brighter path for the children of the nation”.

“We are proud to support the work of the Creative Language-Based Learning Foundation, whose research-driven programmes are making a tangible difference in the lives of students, particularly those in vulnerable communities. Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing crime and violence, as it empowers young minds, provides opportunities, and helps break the cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement.” 

“We hope that the proceeds from this initiative will aid in giving students the foundation they need to succeed and contribute to a safer, more prosperous Jamaica,” she continued.

Jamaica faces a concerning literacy crisis, with 37 per cent of Grade 6 students transitioning to secondary school in 2024 with limited literacy skills, according to the latest Primary Exit Profile (PEP) report.

CLBL reported that at Denham Town High School, only 2.6 per cent of students were literate upon entry, with 96 per cent reading below their expected level. Low literacy rates are closely linked to unemployment, drug abuse, early pregnancy, and crime—issues that cost Jamaica over J$68 billion annually, equivalent to five per cent of its GDP.

Initiatives like CLBL’s targeted literacy programmes are proving vital in breaking this cycle.

Notably, the non-profit organisation’s literacy interventions have improved word recognition in some institutions by 72 per cent and contributed to reduced police-reported incidents from 3-4 times daily to just 1-2 per term.

CLBL also reported that Denham Town High School students, who initially exhibited anti-social behaviours due to their struggles with reading, showed improvements in engagement and discipline after receiving targeted literacy interventions.

Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mandy Melville, executive director at the Creative Language-Based Learning Foundation, emphasised the power of literacy in transforming lives.  

“At the CLBL Foundation, we believe that literacy is a powerful tool for transformation—not just for students, but for entire communities. The EU-JA 5K & 10K Run is more than a race—it’s a powerful movement that unites communities in the fight against violence through education, highlighting the critical link between low literacy and violence while directly funding initiatives that equip teachers with the skills to help students reach their full potential. Every day, we see the profound impact of literacy—boosting confidence, fostering discipline, and reducing frustration-driven aggression”.

“By investing in teachers, we are creating a ripple effect that empowers students, strengthens communities, and helps break cycles of violence and inequality. We are proud to be part of this initiative and grateful for the support in building a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed.  We commend the EU, the [Ministry pf Education] and the Ministry of National Security for their commitment to this cause, and we look forward to the impact we can create together,” Melville argued.

The proceeds from this year’s EU-JA 5K & 10K Run will fund literacy intervention programmes facilitated by the CLBL in the five designated schools, helping students access the specialised support they need to reach their full potential. Richard Troupe, acting director of safety and security in schools, in the ministry spoke on the impact of the initiative, saying, “For the past three years, the partnership between [Ministry of Education] and the European Union has successfully supported literacy interventions in schools within or serving the seven designated Zones of Special Operation. This collaboration has had a positive impact on medium and high-risk students, particularly those participating in the CLBL programme”.

“These students have demonstrated significant improvements in attendance, punctuality, and behaviour. Their enthusiasm for learning has grown, and parents take great pride in their progress. Just as our partnership has tackled literacy challenges in public schools, we must stand together to confront the alarming levels of crime and violence in our country. No single individual or ministry can drive this change alone—real progress is achieved through collaboration. Jamaica’s 50-year partnership with the European Union exemplifies the strength and impact of collective effort,” Troup further asserted.

Beyond its impact on literacy, the run also supports ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence by raising awareness and fostering partnerships aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. Dr Askola added, “The EU’s collaboration with the Government of Jamaica and educational institutions underscores our belief that education and community engagement are essential tools in addressing social vulnerabilities in Jamaican society.”

With plans to expand its reach to 272 schools nationwide, the CLBL Foundation continues to work with the Ministry of Education to bridge literacy gaps and empower teachers through advanced training and digital tools.

The EU-JA 5K & 10K Run will be taking place on March 9 in downtown Kingston.