ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Residents of Logwood in Black River, St Elizabeth, joined volunteers on the weekend in a community clean-up effort aimed at clearing debris left behind by Hurricane Melissa.

The project was dubbed the “Beyond the Classroom – Adopting a Community” initiative and was  spearheaded by the YeCats Mobile Classroom in partnership with Matthews and Clarke Limited, with sponsorship from A One Equipment and Rentals, Juici Patties, and Impact Multimedia.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, debris had accumulated along streets and open spaces, posing both health and safety risks.

Volunteers joined by community members and children worked tirelessly to clear the area.

A highlight of the day was the hands-on involvement of leadership.

CEO of A One Equipment and Rentals, Jeff Larmound personally attended the activity and drove the garbage truck to and from the disposal site.

“This is not just about equipment—it’s about people,” Larmound said.

“When communities are rebuilding, leadership must show up, not just send support.”

Volunteers from Matthews and Clarke Limited were equally visible. One of the Matthews family members rolled up his sleeves and joined the heavy-lifters team, while other volunteers—affectionately described as the “dainty girls”—raked, shovelled, cut grass, and packed debris into garbage bags with determination and teamwork. A volunteer from Matthews and Clarke echoed the sentiment, noting, “Working side by side with residents and children reminded us that rebuilding Jamaica starts with simple acts of service.”

Marketing Manager at Matthews and Clarke Limited, Sandie Saunders shared that the initiative reflects the company’s deeper commitment to community development.

“Beyond the Classroom speaks to who we are as a company. Education, environment, and empowerment go hand in hand, and we are proud to stand with YeCats and the Logwood community,” she said.

Several community members made outstanding contributions.

“This was more than cleaning. It reminded us that we are not forgotten,” said one community member who gave her name as Charmine.

The impact was also felt by the children. One student who assisted during the clean-up proudly shared, “Mi happy fi help clean up mi community. It look nicer now.”

One of the most emotional moments came when a commitment letter from Matthews and Clarke Limited was presented to volunteer teacher Natasha Headley, confirming that her roof would be repaired at a cost of $5 million. Headley, a resident of Logwood who lost her home during the hurricane, was also one of the first volunteers to support the YeCats Mobile Classroom.

“I never imagined that while serving others, help would come back to me,” she said. “This means everything—not just for me, but for my family and my community.”

The YeCats Mobile Classroom concluded on Friday, when all 35 registered students and four volunteers were treated to a special appreciation day hosted by a contractor from Matthews and Clarke Limited, along with his team. The celebration was joined by Wake Up Jamaica and the Essena Family, who provided food, music and gifts for the children—turning the community centre into a space of joy and affirmation.

As part of the celebration, special awards for “Purr-fect Attendance” were presented to two outstanding students:

Kaira, five years old, from the Kittens Classroom

Leo-Jordan, 10 years old, from the Lions Classroom

Their recognition highlighted the programme’s emphasis on consistency, commitment and positive reinforcement.

Founder and Literacy Coach of YeCats, Stacey Robinson, emphasised that the clean-up project reflects the organisation’s core philosophy.

“Education does not exist in isolation. It must be lived, not just taught. Beyond the Classroom allows our children to understand teamwork, responsibility and pride in their community. That’s why our message is simple: It’s not just READING…Its LIFE.”

The Beyond the Classroom – Adopting a Community Clean-Up Project forms part of the wider YeCats Mobile Classroom Initiative which delivers literacy, numeracy and life skills education directly into communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Each location also benefits from a structured community restoration component, reinforcing YeCats’ belief that learning must extend beyond textbooks.