$29.8 million in Hurricane Melissa clean-up grants for early childhood institutions

The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) is reporting that the Ministry of Education is to provide approximately $29.8 million in clean-up grants for early childhood institutions amid the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The funds will be sent to the ECC for disbursement to the institutions, the commission disclosed in a media release.

It informed that post-impact assessments conducted by the ECC indicate that 466 of Jamaica’s 2,420 early childhood institutions were affected by the hurricane, representing significant disruption across all regions.

The ECC said the impact varied in severity, with 175 institutions experiencing mild damage, 159 moderate damage, and 132 severe damage.

“A total of 55 certified institutions were among those affected, while 28 institutions were rendered temporarily inaccessible due to flooding, debris, or infrastructure damage,” the commission said.

“Overall, the disruption affected approximately 24,058 infants and 2,305 early childhood practitioners, with the most significant concentration of impact recorded in Regions 3, 4, and 5,” it added.

The ECC said, notwithstanding challenges, recovery across the sector has advanced significantly.

It pointed out that as of Wednesday, January 28, some 2,399 of Jamaica’s 2,420 early childhood institutions have reopened, representing approximately 99.1 per cent, leaving 21 schools that have not reopened.

“Hurricane Melissa tested the resilience of our early childhood sector, but it also highlighted the strength of our systems and the unwavering dedication of our practitioners,” said Dr Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Commission.

“Our priority remains ensuring that every child returns to a safe, nurturing and emotionally supportive environment, while we deliberately rebuild and strengthen services across affected communities,” she added.

Dr Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration across the sector.

“The recovery of the early childhood sector is not only about restoring infrastructure, but about safeguarding continuity of care, learning and emotional well-being for our youngest learners,” said Troupe.

“The Ministry commends the Early Childhood Commission, the special purpose vehicle established by the Government to lead early childhood services, as well as our partners for their stewardship in ensuring that recovery efforts remain child-centred, standards-driven, and aligned with our broader national education priorities.”

In response to the hurricane, the ECC said it has supported phased clean-up and repair efforts, strengthened safety monitoring, and provided guidance to institutions to ensure that reopening and continued operations remain aligned with national health, safety, and quality standards.

Where feasible, institutions have been encouraged to resume services responsibly to support children’s emotional security and continuity of care, it stated.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.