JWN Foundation fast-tracks cooling support for Holland Primary

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The JWN Foundation has donated 10 air coolers to Holland Primary School, bringing forward the institution’s participation in its “Cool in School’s” initiative following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the school’s learning environment. In a release on Thursday, the foundation said Holland Primary was originally scheduled to benefit from phase two of the initiative in April 2027, but its inclusion was accelerated following recent reports highlighting the extreme conditions at the school, where classes are being held under trees and in temporary tent facilities due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The intervention forms part of the foundation’s three-year Cool in School’s programme, which commenced in 2026 and is being rolled out in phases across its focus schools in Kingston, Clarendon and St Elizabeth.

READ: Hot classroom tent abandoned at Holland Primary The initiative was developed after community concerns and site visits revealed the severe impact of excessive classroom heat on students and teachers. It aims to improve classroom comfort, enhance student concentration and academic performance, reduce heat-related absenteeism, and promote more equitable learning environments across the foundation’s network of schools. Phase one began in 2026 with primary and early childhood schools in Kingston and Clarendon, where 250 fans were installed.

Sameika Forbes, Guidance Counsellor at Holland Primary School (left) and JWN Foundation Project Coordinator Samantha Blake (right) standing close by as students of the Holland Primary give a test run on the newly donated air cooler. As one of the JWN Foundation’s longstanding focus schools, Holland Primary has benefited from sustained support over the years through educational and school improvement initiatives designed to strengthen learning outcomes and student development. Speaking at the recent handover, Garfene Grandison, general manager of the JWN Foundation, said the foundation recognised the need to take immediate action.

Simone Doctor (left), Principal of the Holland Primary School demonstrating how to use the air cooler to Jahzeel Fearon (right) as Garfene Grandison, General Manager of the JWN Foundation looks on. “The Cool in School’siInitiative was designed as a three-year programme, and Holland Primary was originally scheduled to benefit during phase two in April 2027.