KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The Sandals Foundation is doubling down on its commitment to improving the lives of people across the Caribbean on its 15th anniversary. 

Established on March 18, 2009, the Sandals Foundation was created to harness new opportunities and expand upon the community outreach of Sandals Resorts International. Through initiatives focused on education, community development and environmental conservation, it has positively impacted some 1.5 million lives since its launch.

Sandals Foundation

Reflecting on the past 15 years, Adam Stewart, President of the Sandals Foundation and Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, said: “From the beginning, our commitment to transformational projects has remained unwavering. We’ve witnessed firsthand the power of partnerships and the resilience of Caribbean people. 

“The mission of the Sandals Foundation is deeply rooted in the belief that empowered Caribbean people can shape a brighter future for themselves, their communities and generations that follow. We have achieved significant milestones in this respect. 

“Our endorsement by the United Nations Department of Communication as an organization helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gave us great confidence in knowing that our work, while helping to solve local challenges, was also positively contributing to a broader global agenda.”

The Sandals Foundation was founded on three core pillars:

• Education (‘Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures’): The Sandals Foundation empowers both children and adults to unlock their full potential through projects like sustainable water initiatives, building schools, enhancing infrastructure, equipping students with required technologies, providing scholarships and supporting literacy programs. To date, the team has impacted over 350,000 students in their education needs, distributed over 6,000 digital learning devices, supported over 2,000 schools, awarded over 200 scholarships and distributed some 300,000 books to schools and libraries.

• Community Development (‘Building Strong Communities’): By investing in skills and training certification, youth engagement, artisan and other livelihoods, the Sandals Foundation has fostered vibrant and resilient communities across the Caribbean. In recent years, the organization has intensified its investment in food security programs, investing in climate-smart technologies and education within communities and learning institutions. It continues to expand its women empowerment program, Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA), providing mentorship, training, health and counselling support for marginalized women. In addition, through strategic partnerships in the health sector, the Foundation has invested in medical personnel training, equipment, built infrastructure and the capacity of medical practitioners and systems to better serve thousands of people.
• Environment Conservation (‘Safeguarding Our Natural Heritage’): The Sandals Foundation leads efforts in marine sanctuary management, coral restoration and environmental education. Through expert partnerships that assist in the development of environmental curriculum and hands-on field trips, the foundation is raising awareness of children and empowering stewards to take action for generations to come. Throughout the Caribbean, some 19 marine and terrestrial protected areas, national gardens and parks receive support and to further bolster the region’s biodiversity, over 33,000 corals have been out-planted in our seas, and 27,000 terrestrial and marine trees have been planted to support the vital ecosystems. Additionally, the philanthropic organization works closely with local partners investing in eco-tours to sustain continued conservation. 

“Empowerment, to the Sandals Foundation, means providing individuals and communities with the resources, skills, opportunities and the inspiration necessary to take control of their own destinies and effect positive change,” says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, “We are keen to ensure our programs promote inclusive and equitable education opportunities, and foster economic growth through skills development and entrepreneurship support. Looking ahead to the next 15 years, we plan to scale up our work with the right partners, and leading by example in fostering thriving and holistic community programs.  Through strategic collaborations and innovative approaches, we will continue to drive positive change throughout the region.”

Sandals Foundation

Ahead of its next chapter, the Sandals Foundation is working with local artists to create colourful murals of inspiration. For more information go to www.sandalsfoundation.org.