KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education says 845 schools have reopened as of November 26, 2025, as work continues to restore the education sector following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

According to a release on Wednesday, Region 4 which includes Westmoreland, St James and Hanover, now has 24 of its 25 high schools open for students in Grades 11–13. The ministry said the move allows exam-level students to return to face-to-face classes “as quickly and safely as possible”.

Cabinet has approved funding for repairs, and the ministry has 48 contractors on board to accelerate critical work across the island. Priority is being placed on high schools with dormitories, which serve students from multiple parishes and remote communities. Major repairs have begun at Munro College, Hampton School and St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

As part of the wider recovery effort, the ministry will introduce new building standards for all repair and reconstruction projects. These updated standards are intended to strengthen school infrastructure and improve resilience against future disasters.

“We are not rebuilding to the old standard,” Portfolio Minister Dana Morris Dixon emphasised. “We are rebuilding to higher standards that reflects the new realities of climate risk and our duty of care to every child.”

The ministry also noted ongoing support from international donors. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has delivered 13 tents to schools, with more expected, to provide temporary classrooms and shelter while permanent repairs continue. The first tent has been installed at Darliston Primary in Westmoreland.

Minister Dixon expressed appreciation for the assistance being offered.

“We are deeply grateful to UNICEF and to all our donor partners who have stepped forward in this difficult period. The ministry will work with any donor to identify a school in need. However, we must emphasise that all repairs and reconstruction must be done in line with our new, enhanced building standards. This is non-negotiable. Our children deserve nothing less,” she said.

The ministry said it will continue to provide updates as repairs advance and additional schools are cleared to reopen.