Sandals Foundation Partners with Crime Stoppers Barbados for Conflict Resolution Programme
The Sandals Foundation has partnered with Crime Stoppers Barbados to launch Cool Yuh Head, a secondary school conflict resolution program aimed at empowering students with skills to manage emotions and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Building Stronger Futures
Targeting 300 students across two schools, Cool Yuh Head consists of structured 40-minute sessions integrated into the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum. These sessions cover conflict resolution strategies, emotional intelligence, and decision-making skills to help students foster positive relationships.
A Proactive Approach to Youth Development
Programme Director at Crime Stoppers Barbados, Kristen Deukett, highlighted the importance of sustained efforts in shaping young minds and creating long-term behavioral change:
Crime Stoppers Barbados aims to instil Barbadian youth with confidence, and the skills to overcome challenges and deal with conflict by providing positive redirection. We support the emotional well-being and intelligence of our youth. What sets our programme apart from other programmes is that we maintain our presence within the school to inspire a positive shift in school culture, without which progress would be undermined.
Crime Stoppers Barbados notes all the work Sandals Foundation has done in the Caribbean community – and assisting schools develop programmes to augment the students’ curriculum. Together, we can identify and address social issues affecting our youth and promote peace and ‘cooler heads’ in our secondary schools.
She noted that collaboration with organizations like the Sandals Foundation allows them to bridge gaps in youth development by offering much-needed programs that support students’ emotional well-being.
Sandals Foundation’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Public Relations Manager at Sandals Royal Barbados, David Hinds, emphasized the foundation’s dedication to equipping young people with essential life skills:
The Sandals Foundation is proud to stand behind this project because we firmly believe in the power of our young people to shape our world in a positive way if they are provided with the resources, know-how, and the capacity to take action.
We are honoured to collaborate with Crime Stoppers Barbados on this programme, and we are very grateful to be able to make a difference and contribute to the development of young Barbadians in this way.
The Sandals Foundation continues to support holistic youth development through mentorship, sports, and academic initiatives that provide critical life skills.
Impact of Cool Yuh Head
Since its inception in 2011, the Cool Yuh Head program has reached over 25,840 students, helping them develop healthier emotional responses to anger and conflict. Graduates report improved communication, accountability, and problem-solving skills, reducing violence in schools and communities.
By learning how to trust each other, handle triggers effectively, and seek help when needed, students are building a stronger, safer future for themselves and their peers.
Looking Ahead
Crime Stoppers Barbados and the Sandals Foundation remain committed to creating positive social change. Through Cool Yuh Head, students will continue to benefit from structured guidance, fostering a culture of emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.
