Peace And Love in Society (PALS) is set to return to its school-focused roots with its annual Peace Day concert being held this year at the Calabar Infant & Primary School tomorrow (March 7) at 9 am.

The concert, which is being staged in collaboration with Project STAR and other sponsors, will feature a slate of local celebrities such as Fab 5 band, key government officials and students.

According to Project STAR, the programme promises to energise and promote peace throughout society under the theme ‘Be the Peace’.

“PALS started out as a peace initiative geared towards our schools, teaching conflict resolution strategies. Over the years, we have expanded our programmes throughout the wider society. With essential partners like Project STAR, we can stage events like these to bring communities together for entertainment, encouragement and empowerment. We look forward to a concert that puts peace in the spotlight not just for the day, but throughout the year ahead,” stated Janilee Jimenez de Abrikian, general manager of PALS.

This is especially essential as the nation grapples with the impact of rising violence across every level of society, she added.

Saffrey Brown, project director, Project STAR, said she was happy to be partnering with PALS in celebrating National Peace Day.

“Given the ongoing levels of violence – within schools and communities – we see this collaboration with PALS for the staging of this Peace Day concert as an opportunity to bolster our engagement with the community of East Downtown Kingston, particularly around peace-building initiatives, especially among youth. We are pleased to be partnering with PALS, which is consistent with the Project STAR model of working with relevant stakeholders to effect change,” said Brown.

The concert will showcase musical performances by legends and talented students; convey uplifting messages; treats and prizes and an opportunity to be part of Jamaica’s Peace Day efforts.

Jamaicans are encouraged to visit the website at www.palsjamaica.org for activities that can be executed in schools, churches and communities all year long.

READ: VPA to launch ‘Drumming for Peace’ programme on Peace Day