ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — In a step toward restoring educational stability after the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, the YeCats Mobile Resource Centre has launched the YeCats Mobile Classroom.

Spearheaded by Stacey Robinson, founder and literacy coach of YeCats, the mobile classroom is an emergency literacy and numeracy initiative that is already transforming the lives of children in Black River, one of the storm’s hardest-hit communities.

The mobile classroom officially began operations on November 17, and concluded its first week with a formal cake-cutting launch ceremony attended by community leaders, educators, and sponsors.

As a fully mobile programme, YeCats will be travelling to other hurricane-affected areas, setting up similar operations. Each location will receive eight weeks of instruction, ensuring consistent, structured, and rehabilitative learning for children wherever the program is deployed.

At the launch, Robinson reiterated YeCats’ commitment:

“Education must continue, even in the midst of crisis. Our children deserve stability, confidence, and an opportunity to keep learning,” she stressed.

Organisers say parents and students are already expressing life-changing results.

Marsha, a mother who visited the mobile classroom for the first time and volunteered to assist, shared: “I am a proud mother to know that in association with Matthews and Clarke, YeCats has come together and is providing this service. I am so excited and glad that right now the kids can come out and go to school. I am grateful as a parent to be here. I want to say a big shout-out to both companies for coming together to do this for the children.”

Children, too, are showing emotional and behavioural transformation.

An 11-year-old boy, previously considered a troublemaker and often disciplined, approached Robinson on day three and said: “Miss, mi aguh change and behave better.”

He also revealed that he had stopped sucking his finger—something he once used as a comfort mechanism.

“My finger was my comfort,” he explained, “and now I am more comfortable.”

Response to the programme has been positive, with 70 students registering on the first day, and 120 by the second. Organisers say the surge highlights the desperate need for academic continuity and psychosocial support in the aftermath of the disaster.

Described as a shining example of community resilience is Natasha Headley, guidance counsellor and resident of the Logwood community.

Even after losing her home in the hurricane, she was the first to volunteer her support to the mobile classroom, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to local children.

The initiative is supported by critical partners, including Matthews and Clarke, Murray’s, Mid Island Service Station, MegaMart, Grow With Green, Don’s Motor World, and World Central Kitchen.

Special praise was extended to Sandie Saunders of Matthews and Clarke Limited, whose early endorsement was instrumental in quickly mobilising resources.

Classes operate Mondays to Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, within a safe learning tent donated by Murray’s. The programme focuses on strengthening reading, writing, and mathematics, and is fully inclusive—serving early learners, struggling readers, high-performing students, and childrenwith special needs or those who communicate using sign language.

A major feature of the curriculum is the innovative YeCats Sound Box, a phonics system designed to build confident, fluent readers. Teachers and parents will also receive training in the system to ensure continued progress outside the classroom.

The mobile classroom also offers literacy enhancement workshops for teachers and parent consultation workshops to strengthen the entire learning ecosystem.

In addition to literacy and numeracy, one hour of the programme is dedicated to life skills, using

activities that support physical, emotional, and mental development—an essential element for children recovering from traumatic events.