In a remarkable display of resilience, the Jamaican education system has achieved a 96% reopening rate across Region Three schools despite severe infrastructural damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information confirmed the successful commencement of the new academic term through innovative learning arrangements and temporary facilities.
During an extensive back-to-school tour across St. Ann on Wednesday, State Minister Rhoda Moy Crawford expressed profound satisfaction with recovery progress. Her inspection began at Sturge Town Primary and Infant School, where she witnessed innovative multi-modal learning approaches in action. “I was very impressed with what I see happening there—a perfect example of multiple modalities learning taking place,” Crawford noted. While some students continue learning in undamaged classrooms, others utilize UNICEF-provided temporary tents, with infant classes temporarily relocated to Sturge Town New Testament Church through community partnership.
The reconstruction progress at Sturge Town Primary currently stands at approximately 40% completion. At Bamboo Primary School, approximately 80% of students have resumed face-to-face instruction despite ongoing repairs. School administrators have implemented comprehensive safety protocols, including secure cordoning of construction zones to ensure student protection.
Minister Crawford detailed the ministry’s comprehensive response strategy: “From the passage of Hurricane Melissa, our first responders were school principals conducting initial assessments, followed by regional directors and building officers. The National Education Trust performed detailed evaluations to coordinate recovery efforts.” She emphasized the collaborative nature of the recovery, acknowledging vital support from international partners including UNICEF, UNESCO, and local religious organizations.
Region Three Director Karlene Segre confirmed educational continuity through blended learning approaches combining physical classes, online instruction, and supplemental learning kits distributed by the ministry. All primary and secondary institutions have received both educational materials and revised curricula to maintain academic standards despite hurricane disruptions. “Our teachers in Region Three are committed, dedicated, and competitive in implementing all necessary measures,” Segre affirmed.
Acting Principal of Bamboo Primary School Trevor McKenzie welcomed the ministerial visit as an opportunity to demonstrate both hurricane damage and recovery progress. He confirmed significant student return rates and emphasized established safety protocols that enable learning to continue simultaneously with reconstruction activities.