Education ministry activates host school initiative

In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information has introduced the Host School Initiative to ensure uninterrupted education for students from severely impacted schools. Senator Dana Morris Dixon, the Portfolio Minister, announced the initiative during a Senate session on November 21, emphasizing its temporary nature and the importance of maintaining students’ ties to their original institutions. The initiative allows students from non-operational schools to continue their education in host schools for a defined period, supported by regional coordination, psychosocial services, and accountability measures. Morris Dixon highlighted the enthusiastic response from principals of both public and private schools, who have volunteered to accommodate displaced students, showcasing Jamaica’s collective commitment to its youth. Parents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the ministry’s regional offices to secure spots in participating schools, including Kingston Technical High School, St Andrew Technical High School, Campion College, and Ardenne High. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure educational continuity, with other models such as rotational schedules, temporary sites, and remote learning through printed kits and radio broadcasts being implemented based on the severity of infrastructure damage and available resources.