THE Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has awarded approximately $32 million to 11 humanitarian and community-based organisations, supporting education recovery and community-led development efforts in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The organisations were recognised during a spotlight event at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew on Thursday, held under the theme ‘Rebuilding Futures: Education, Resilience and Community Action’.

Two of the projects are dedicated to education recovery, specifically identified in response to Hurricane Melissa, while the remaining nine reflect Canada’s prior commitment to community-led initiatives.

Collectively, the projects address pressing challenges facing Jamaican communities, including access to education and student well-being, peace-building and violence prevention, gender-based violence prevention and mental health, youth empowerment and economic resilience, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

Minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Rhoda Moy Crawford welcomed the engagements, noting that Canada’s support to Jamaica, through the CFLI and wider humanitarian initiatives, has spanned more than 35 years.

“Following Hurricane Melissa, Canada moved swiftly and decisively, contributing significant humanitarian and recovery support, including education-focused interventions and community-based initiatives that recognise a simple reality — you cannot rebuild a nation if you neglect its children,” said Crawford.

She noted that Canada’s assistance is contributing to key pillars of Jamaica’s recovery, including educational continuity, psychological and emotional stabilisation, nutrition protection and inclusion, as well as long-term resilience and social cohesion.

In his remarks, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica Mark Berman noted that the CFLI is among Canada’s most locally grounded instruments for achieving quick, community-driven impact.

He pointed out that the projects are identified, selected, and implemented in partnership with Jamaican organisations that possess the deepest understanding of their communities.

“From school nutrition and literary support, to alternative dispute resolutions in schools, to counselling and vocational training for women and girls, these projects reflect the creativity, commitment, and leadership of Jamaican civil society,” said Berman..

Highlighting the significant impact of Hurricane Melissa on educational institutions in western Jamaica, Berman said, “While rebuilding is progressing rapidly and students are gradually returning to classrooms, we also recognise that much remains to be done to get back on track.”

He emphasised that education is central to recovery, ensuring that no child is left behind and that the prospects of Jamaica’s young people are safeguarded.

“Canada is providing $11.3 million in humanitarian assistance to support two initiatives that will help to quickly restore learning, while also addressing the psychosocial needs of students and teachers,” said Berman as he declared that the Government of Canada looks forward to its partnership with the implementing agencies and to the rapid impact their initiatives will deliver.

“Supporting children to return to learning after a disaster is not only a humanitarian response, it’s an investment in long-term resilience,” Berman affirmed.

He noted that Canada has responded to the October 28, 2025 Hurricane Melissa with more than Can$13 million — approximately $1.5 billion — in international assistance funding.

This includes Can$6.1 million in development assistance to strengthen emergency preparedness, health infrastructure, and food systems, as well as Can$7.3 million — approximately J$800 million — in humanitarian assistance to meet immediate needs following Melissa.

“This humanitarian assistance has included a matching fund with the Canadian Red Cross, whereby the Government of Canada has matched up to Can$1.5 million in individual donations to the Hurricane Melissa appeal,” Berman stated.

He indicated that much of this assistance has been channelled through partnerships with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Agency, the United Nations, Central Emergency Response Fund, the Red Cross Disaster Response Emergency Fund, and the World Food Programme.

— JIS

Minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Rhoda Moy Crawford (left); Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural Juliet Holness and High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica Mark Berman share a moment during the Spotlight Event for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and Humanitarian Education Projects, on Thursday. Photo: JIS