As the nation undertakes the repair and rebuilding of schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, the National Education Trust (NET) has underscored the importance of embedding resilience in all new infrastructure. “After [Hurricane] Beryl, a lot of the focus was on getting our schools ready for [the 2024/25 academic year, beginning] September, which we did. Now we are trying to be...

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is ramping up targeted support for children with disabilities affected by Hurricane Melissa. UNICEF Social Policy Officer, André Miller, explained that children with disabilities were among the hardest hit by the hurricane, facing multiple layers of vulnerability. “Families with children who have mobility or sensory impairments were [placed] in emergency shelters. Crowded and noisy...

Acting Principal of Orange Bay Primary School in Portland, Morlette Miller, says several initiatives are being pursued to strengthen parental support at the institution. She says this is imperative in assisting to “develop our students academically and socially”. “We need more parents and community members on board so we can continue to grow. The school is located in a rural...

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has committed to working with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other partners to craft emergency preparedness guidelines for Early Childhood Institutions (ECIs). Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, underscored that the guidelines will reflect current hazards and lessons from Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which...

The Portland-based Seaside Primary School has completed its ambitious air-conditioning (AC) initiative, transforming every classroom into a cooler, more comfortable, and more effective learning environment. Principal, Adli Lewis, in an interview with JIS News said that the achievement marks the end of a four-year project powered by extraordinary community support, strategic fundraising, and a commitment to the success of students....

A Portland-based school leader has been receiving widespread praise after turning the school into a hub for parents and other community members to iron their clothes, following Hurricane Melissa. Principal of the Seaside Primary School, Adli Lewis, told JIS News that the idea grew from his own experience living in one of the many communities that remained without power at...

School Boards, teachers, parents and Education Ministry personnel who have been collaborating to prepare campuses in St. Ann and Trelawny (Region Three) for reopening have been commended for their commitment in the clean-up activities. Regional Director in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, Karlene Segre, said the schools are working to resume normal operations following the passage of...