NET Emphasises Resilient Infrastructure in Post-Hurricane School Recovery Efforts

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 more clinical in the approach to rebuild and do renovations or repairs and put in place some resiliency in the infrastructure,” Executive Director, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, maintained.

She was speaking during the recent NET 360: Post‑Hurricane Melissa Technical Partners Virtual Forum, which convened key stakeholders to examine recovery efforts, sector needs, and collaborative approaches to rebuilding Jamaica’s education infrastructure.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey reported that approximately 690 schools have sustained some level of damage following Hurricane Melissa, with the worst impacts recorded in Westmoreland, St. James, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, St. Ann, and Trelawny.

She noted that NET is employing emergency contracting measures to ensure flexibility and efficiency in the rebuilding process.

The Executive Director further indicated that, where possible, slab roofs will be installed to replace damaged structures.

“What’s critical for us is that, based upon the structural integrity of all buildings in our schools, where we can replace the wood frame, we do so with either the slab or steel frame… but that depends on the structured assessments,” she explained.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey emphasised that, where school structures are outdated, rebuilding must be pursued to ensure compliance with national building codes.

“The approach is not just for the engagement of contractors for the fixing, but also contractors for the design and rebuild process. Our children are counting on all of us, and we stand ready to ensure that we get our schools back up,” she stated.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey underscored that schools serve as safe spaces for many students, beyond their role as centres of learning. She stressed that it is, therefore, critical to restore normalcy to the education sector as quickly as possible.

“[During the COVID-19 pandemic], we saw a rise in abuse, because children were out of school. So, what we’re looking for is safe spaces to be open for our kids. What we’re looking for is some long-term commitment because [Hurricane] Melissa’s rebuild, unlike [Hurricane] Beryl, is not a one-year programme. It is at least three to four years, which means we are all in this together for the long haul,” the Executive Director outlined.

She urged donors and partners to collaborate with NET as it undertakes the rebuilding of schools across the island to make them more resilient.

The National Education Trust, a charitable organisation and a government agency, plays a pivotal role in the transformation of Jamaica’s education sector through the mobilisation of resources and the fostering of strategic partnerships with the Jamaican Diaspora as well as local and international stakeholders.