Expressions of gratitude could be heard across the lawns of the National Education Trust’s (NET) head office in St Andrew on Tuesday as school leaders from hurricane-ravaged institutions welcomed the gift of electricity from the Generator Donation Initiative. For them, the power sources are not just a way to help rebuild classrooms but will also fuel their students’ continued journey towards normal life.

“It’s a great initiative. I’m happy that our school was one of those who were selected to be a recipient of this generator because we are in dire need of it. We are truly thankful for the support and the commitment to education. This contribution will make a lasting difference in the lives of our students,” acting principal of Mulgrave Primary School Ryan Stone told the Jamaica Observer on the margins of the event.

The initiative, established after Hurricane Melissa’s destructive passage over several parishes on the western side of the island last October, was developed by NET, which reached out to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Foundation. Through their combined efforts they procured 20 DuroMax 15,000-watt, dual-fuel, portable generators to support schools worst impacted by the Category 5 storm.

Stone told the Observer that Mulgrave Primary, located in St Elizabeth, was battered by the storm which tore away sections of the institution’s roof in addition to damaging furniture, learning material and the school’s fence. He added that electrical systems were also affected, making it unsafe to resume normal operations. The school has now reopened but students are still fearful and in need of psychosocial support to help them adjust, Stone explained.

“We invited psychologists to come in and talk with the students, and we have a team of guidance sponsors from neighbouring schools who come in and give their support and the students got a chance to express themselves. Some of them described Melissa as being wicked, some described her as being gluttonous. ‘She ate up everything,’ was what one student remarked,” the school administrator said.

“Some students were re-traumatised because we faced heavy winds during the cold front, and again we had to call in a team of guidance counsellors and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness to come in and give support,” added Stone.

He explained that the donation of the generator is a significant next step in helping both teachers and students feel more comfortable as the institution makes its way back to a state of normality.

“The generator represents more than just power — it symbolises hope, resilience and a renewed opportunity for our students to learn in a safe and stable environment,” he said.

From Westmoreland, Darliston Primary School’s Vice-Principal Victoria Gooden-Green echoed similar sentiments, pointing to severe challenges faced by the school since the storm robbed it of its roof.

“At present, we have UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) that donated two tents, and that’s the tent where we host our classes. Not all the children are able to come out every day, only the grade six students,” she said.

“We are really having difficulties in terms of the technology; going online or showing
YouTube videos, we’re unable to do that. Having the generators, that will help us immensely to do what we have to do,” added Gooden-Green.

She explained that with an available power source, students can now take their devices to school and become more engaged as education continues to become more digitised.

Gooden-Green also noted that the donation could help restore some level of routine for students, many of whom remain displaced.

“A lot of them, they are traumatised since Melissa; they have lost all. Some of them, when they are talking about their experiences, they are crying. Some had to run out [of their houses] during the storm and everything. But, we are really trying our best to cope. It’s not an easy time for us but we know that the toughest soldiers get the strongest fight. We will bounce back because we are resilient, and we know that no matter how dark it seems, the sun will shine again,” she said.

In delivering the keynote address during the ceremony a grateful state minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Tova Hamilton spoke about the importance of meaningful collaboration as Jamaica continues to recover. She views such efforts as an opportunity to harness benefits for people through community development initiatives, educational support, skills training and the sustainable investments.

“We see today not as the end of a gesture but as the opening of a door, a door to stronger partnership, deeper engagement, and shared growth. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I express sincere appreciation to MSC Foundation and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Jamaica Limited for this meaningful intervention. This is a demonstration that tourism at its best is a force for national development, strengthening communities, supporting education and building resilience. Jamaica is grateful, Jamaica remembers, and Jamaica looks forward to even stronger partnership in the months and years ahead,” Hamilton said.

Acting principal of Mulgrave Primary School Ryan Stone explaining, during the handover ceremony on Tuesday, the importance of the donated generator in helping teachers and students feel more comfortable as the St Elizabeth-based institution tries to return to normal. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Vice-principal of Westmorland-based Darliston Primary School Victoria Gooden-Green was among grateful participants during the handover ceremony held at the National Education Trust (NET) head office in St Andrew on Tuesday.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)