As part of efforts to support the emotional well-being of more than 1,700 of Jamaica’s most vulnerable young learners, the Sandals Foundation, in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, have established therapeutic play spaces in three primary and infant schools.

Valued at some JM $5.2million, the specialized environments designed to build resilience and enhance educational outcomes involved the renovation and outfitting of existing guidance counselling areas at Port Maria Infant School in St. Mary, Granville Primary and Infant School in Trelawny, and Irwin Primary and Infant School in St. James with child appropriate furniture, the provision of therapeutic tools, and adding vibrant murals.

The initiative, which has also provided therapeutic play training to 40 guidance counsellors has transformed underutilized rooms into safe, welcoming spaces where children can express themselves, process trauma, and begin to heal.

Speaking at a handover event at the Granville Primary and Infant School, Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation says, “Across Jamaica, many students are navigating grief, trauma, family separation, emotional regulation challenges, and other experiences that can affect how they learn and develop. Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood so by creating dedicated spaces to deliver targeted support, our goal is to facilitate a holistic approach to student well-being as a critical foundation for academic success.”

Beyond the physical upgrades, every space was stocked with a carefully selected suite of play therapy materials including puppet family set, comfort blankets and hugable toys, an Adopt-A-Pet kit, stress balls, sensory and expressive animal figures, and therapeutic workbooks.

Dr. Claudette Crawford-Brown, Play Therapy Consultant, says play is a powerful tool for healing, growth, and learning.

“In a play therapy space, a child may use puppets to tell a story they cannot yet put into words, express emotions through art, role-play difficult situations, or create scenes in a sand tray that reflect their experiences and feelings. Through these activities, guidance counsellors gain insights that help children process emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build confidence in a way that feels natural, safe, and age-appropriate.”

For Food For The Poor Executive Director, Denise Jeffereson, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the whole child.

“At Food For The Poor Jamaica, we recognize that true development extends beyond meeting physical needs, it must also nurture the emotional and psychological well-being of our children. This partnership with the Sandals Foundation reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that students are equipped not only to succeed academically, but to heal, grow, and thrive in safe and supportive environments. By investing in these play therapy spaces, we are helping to build resilience, restore confidence, and create meaningful opportunities for Jamaica’s children to reach their full potential.”

According to Guidance Counsellor at Granville Primary and Infant School, Mrs. Jacqueline Thompson-East., the space is already showing positive results.

“Apart from talking to students, when you give them toys, sometimes you learn things you wouldn’t hear normally. I remember a little girl who used the toys to explain her home dynamic — at the end of the session we were able to see what the root cause of her problems were. In fact, we brought in her father and spoke to him about his role in helping us help his daughter.”