ADMINISTRATORS of two schools in western Jamaica have applauded the National Education Trust (NET) for the repair work done so far on buildings badly damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The two — Strawberry Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland and Catherine Hall Primary and Infant School in St James — are among more than 40 institutions on the Ministry of Education’s priority one list which have been repaired by the NET to date.

Following Melissa, the ministry classified more than 300 severely damaged schools as priority one for repair that equated to almost rebuilding.

At Strawberry Primary and Infant School, where work is under way to address extensive damage, including the loss of roofing and windows, Principal Travert Clarke commended NET for the swift mobilisation of support.

“NET has partnered with us to help with the rebuilding and recovery process, and I want to commend both NET and the Ministry of Education for their support. I was particularly impressed by how quickly they came in and began the recovery process following Hurricane Melissa,” said Clarke.

Repair work far advanced on Strawberry Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

He also welcomed NET’s commitment to replace the school’s chicken coop, which supports the canteen programme.

“NET has indicated that the coop will also be replaced, which is truly commendable, particularly as this was not part of the initial rebuilding plans. We are extremely grateful for that additional support,” added Clarke.

At Catherine Hall Primary and Infant School, Principal Kay-Esther Malcolm expressed gratitude for the completed roofing works.

“Many of our buildings were compromised, particularly our roofs, so we are extremely grateful that we can now say that all our roofs are brand new. The roofs are beautiful, and we no longer have to worry about leaks and the challenges we previously experienced. We are very pleased with the work that has been done and sincerely grateful to NET for what it has done for our school,” said Malcolm.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of NET Latoya Harris-Ghartey reiterated the importance of addressing immediate infrastructural needs and facilities that contribute to student well-being.

“Every school has its own story of how Hurricane Melissa affected its students, educators, and wider community. Our responsibility is to listen to those needs and work with our partners to help these institutions recover.

“Whether it is replacing a damaged roof, restoring windows, or supporting a facility that contributes to a school’s canteen programme, each intervention brings that school one step closer to normalcy and gives our children a safer and more comfortable environment in which to learn,” said Harris-Ghartey.

She underscored that the rebuilding programme is an opportunity to strengthen Jamaica’s education infrastructure for the future.

“Our focus is not simply on replacing what was lost. As we rebuild, we must continue to look at how we can create stronger and more resilient learning environments that are better positioned to withstand future challenges.

“This is what building back stronger means for NET — ensuring that the work we undertake today provides lasting value for our students, teachers, and school communities,” added Harris-Ghartey.