Hurricane Melissa’s impact in October 2025 caused widespread disruption across Jamaica’s education system, with more than 600 schools damaged and several institutions in the western parishes severely affected. Despite the scale of the damage, the sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, coordination and commitment to learning continuity.

National Impact and Immediate Response

The Ministry of Education reported significant structural damage, including roof loss, flooding and utility outages. Schools such as Brown’s Town Community College and Westwood High sustained major damage, underscoring the urgency of national recovery efforts.

To safeguard students and staff, the Ministry implemented an Emergency Education Plan, including staggered reopening schedules, temporary relocation of students and prioritised support for exam candidates. The Host School Initiative also ensured that displaced students could continue classes at nearby institutions while remaining registered at their home school.

Supporting Teachers and Students

Recognising the emotional toll of the disaster, the Ministry deployed a team of mental health professionals to support affected teachers and school communities. This intervention helped stabilise the education workforce during a time of heightened stress and uncertainty.

Governance Leadership in Times of Crisis

The National Council on Education (NCE) acknowledges the crucial role played by school boards—ensuring accountability, managing emergency decisions and maintaining stability within schools. Effective governance, adherence to legal requirements and decisive leadership have been essential to safeguarding learning during the recovery period.

Reconstruction and Long-Term Resilience

Through the National Education Trust (NET), the government mobilised contractors to begin repairs at dozens of schools and provided clean-up grants to accelerate reopening. Reconstruction will be guided by updated building standards aimed at improving long-term climate resilience across the sector.

Moving Forward Together

The NCE commends all education stakeholders—boards, principals, teachers, parents, community members and corporate partners—for their unified response. Rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa is a shared responsibility, and the Council remains committed to strengthening governance, supporting school leadership and ensuring every Jamaican child continues to receive quality education in safe, resilient learning environments.