The Bob Marley Foundation, 1Love Foundation and Ben and Jerry’s Partners for Youth Empowerment are reporting success having completed the third installment of the annual One Love Youth Camp last week.

The camp, which is aimed at continuing Bob’s legacy by using arts and creativity as the tool for social change, saw 43 students from Charlie Smith High, Bob Marley Primary and Junior High, Haile Selassie High, Tivoli Gardens High School and the Grace Staff Community Development Foundation Homework Centre, participating in the five-day camp in St Ann. The camp began on July 12 and ended on July 17.

The students this year were between the ages of 13 and 17 years old and were given the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, including storytelling, creative writing, visual arts, music and drama. The activities were aimed at not only increasing creativity and self-confidence but were also hoping to build interpersonal and communication skills, as well as strengthening the leadership skills among the participants.

IMPACTING LIVES

In a release sent to The Gleaner, Marie Bruce, general manager, Bob Marley Foundation, explained that the number of lives impacted at this year’s camp represents a small number of lives the foundation is hoping to reach, using the programme.

“The 43 lives impacted by the One Love Youth Camp this year represents only a small window of opportunity for the Bob Marley Foundation to continue to change lives through this initiative and many others that the foundation will continue to roll out in 2016,” she said. “We are pleased with the growth of the camp’s reach over the past three years and look forward to making an impact in the years to come, alongside our partners at PYE, 1Love.org and Ben & Jerry’s.”

Ziggy Marley, son of the late reggae legend, also commented on the effect that the camp has had on the participants over the past three years.

“The One Love Youth Camp has positively affected youth in Jamaica, providing social and interpersonal tools they can use throughout life,” he said. “The youth are our future and we look forward to expanding the camp with our partners at PYE and Ben & Jerry’s.”

Ed Shepherd, social mission manager at Ben & Jerry’s, said the company was happy to be a part of the project and look forward to participating at future events.

“Bob Marley stood for more than just music. He inspired millions to think about peace, love, and equality. We’re happy to play a small role in making Bob’s legacy and vision for a sweeter world travel further this year.”

The One Love Youth Camp training and camp programme is based on a proven youth engagement model, developed by Partners for Youth Empowerment – PYE Global – that has been independently evaluated and replicated in 11 countries worldwide. The camp is funded through the sale of a special-edition tribute flavour to Bob Marley, known as Satisfy My Bowl.