Ei-iE

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Education International has launched an urgent action appeal in solidarity with its member organisation in Jamaica, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), to help the union address the needs of affected teachers, school communities and to restore access to learning as soon as possible.

Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic tropical cyclone which became the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. It caused severe damage upon making landfall in Jamaica, and was the strongest recorded hurricane on the island, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Many towns in western Jamaica were flooded as a result, which has also hampered recovery efforts.

JTA has begun providing concrete assistance to its members, including emergency financial aid, temporary teaching resources, and psychological support. In addition, JTA is coordinating with national authorities and international partners to ensure the rapid reconstruction of educational facilities and restore access to learning as soon as possible.

"Our members have weathered the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, flash floods, Hurricane Beryl, and now Melissa. They have held the fort through every crisis. But resilience must never be mistaken for invincibility. Empathy must be a cornerstone of our national recovery. Many do not understand the depth of what teachers are facing, but as the union closest to them, the JTA will stand resolutely in defending and protecting their interests," stated JTA President Mark Malabver.

Education system and teachers severely impacted

JTA has informed EI regarding the emergency situation following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane severely impacted the Western region of the country, destroying homes, disrupting transport and electricity networks, and causing significant damage to school infrastructure.

The education sector has been particularly affected: numerous schools have been damaged or rendered unusable, leaving thousands of students without access to classes. Many teachers have lost their homes or essential teaching materials, and connectivity issues are hampering efforts to resume learning. JTA reports that these challenges are placing immense strain on educators and students alike.

JTA is currently conducting assessments of the damage to schools and teachers' homes. Whilst JTA’s assessment is ongoing, JTA indicates that up to 5000 of its members have been affected by Hurricane Melissa. Approximately 2500 of them have been severely impacted. One of JTA’s offices located in Montego Bay suffered flooding.

At the recent COP 30, the Jamaican Minister responsible for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and the Blue & Green Economies, Matthew Samuda, declared that "Hurricane Melissa changed the life of every Jamaican in less than 24 hours." Identifying the hurricane as evidence of "the new phase of climate change," he called on the international community to honour the pledges to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.

Call to solidarity

Education International expressed its solidarity with colleagues in Jamaica and called on all EI member organisations to support JTA by contributing to the EI Solidarity Fund. An initial EI financial contribution from the EI Solidarity Fund has already been earmarked. These contributions will reinforce the significant efforts already deployed by JTA.

“This is not only a financial intervention; it is a statement of solidarity, compassion, and purpose. Our teachers have once again borne the brunt of a national disaster, yet they continue to show extraordinary resilience. It is our duty as their representatives to ensure that they are supported in rebuilding their lives and homes,” JTA President Malabver added.

For more information on how to contribute to the EI Solidarity Fund, please contact the EI headoffice.

EI will continue to provide regular updates on its solidarity work in Jamaica and elsewhere on the dedicated webpage Solidarity in emergencies (ei-ie.org).