Cambridge and Retirement Primary schools rebuild stronger with post-Hurricane Melissa support

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Education Trust (NET) says it is continuing its commitment to strengthening school infrastructure and supporting safe learning environments through rehabilitation works at Cambridge Primary and Retirement Primary and Infant schools following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. At Cambridge Primary School in St James, NET supported reroofing works to address damage sustained during the hurricane. Acting Principal Audriana Reid-Gongasingh welcomed the intervention, noting the importance of having a secure and comfortable environment for students and teachers.

"The reroofing works have addressed an important area of concern and have helped us to create a safer environment for our students and staff. Thanks to NET, we are now able to house our grade one students," Reid-Gongasingh said. She further shared: "With Melissa, we were badly damaged; for the second floor, the entire roof was gone, and so now thanks to NET, our school roofs are now 95 per cent restored.

The support from the National Education Trust has made a significant difference to our school. We are grateful for the partnership and the continued attention being given to the needs of our school community." At Retirement Primary and Infant in St Ann, NET supported a broader package of rehabilitation works, including reroofing, repainting, installing a ramp to support a more accessible and resilient school environment, as well as general repairs following the impact of the hurricane. Principal Nadeen Fisher also expressed appreciation for the support received.

"The assistance that NET provided has allowed us to be able to return to our school building. There were several areas that required attention; as such we had to carry out teaching and learning at our local church and under tents. This intervention from The National Education Trust has addressed our critical needs, and as such, we are now able to return to our school building.

We are very grateful for the support," she said. NET Executive Director Latoya Harris-Ghartey highlighted that its interventions demonstrate the importance of investing in resilient and safe school infrastructure. "Our schools are at the heart of our communities, and when they are impacted by a disaster, the effects extend far beyond the physical damage to buildings.

Students, teachers and families are affected.