ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The JWN Foundation has donated 10 air coolers to Holland Primary School, bringing forward the institution’s participation in its “Cool in School’s” initiative following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the school’s learning environment.

In a release on Thursday, the foundation said Holland Primary was originally scheduled to benefit from phase two of the initiative in April 2027, but its inclusion was accelerated following recent reports highlighting the extreme conditions at the school, where classes are being held under trees and in temporary tent facilities due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The intervention forms part of the foundation’s three-year Cool in School’s programme, which commenced in 2026 and is being rolled out in phases across its focus schools in Kingston, Clarendon and St Elizabeth.

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The initiative was developed after community concerns and site visits revealed the severe impact of excessive classroom heat on students and teachers. It aims to improve classroom comfort, enhance student concentration and academic performance, reduce heat-related absenteeism, and promote more equitable learning environments across the foundation’s network of schools.

Phase one began in 2026 with primary and early childhood schools in Kingston and Clarendon, where 250 fans were installed.

Sameika Forbes, Guidance Counsellor at Holland Primary School (left) and JWN Foundation Project Coordinator Samantha Blake (right) standing close by as students of the Holland Primary give a test run on the newly donated air cooler.

As one of the JWN Foundation’s longstanding focus schools, Holland Primary has benefited from sustained support over the years through educational and school improvement initiatives designed to strengthen learning outcomes and student development.

Speaking at the recent handover, Garfene Grandison, general manager of the JWN Foundation, said the foundation recognised the need to take immediate action.

Simone Doctor (left), Principal of the Holland Primary School demonstrating how to use the air cooler to Jahzeel Fearon (right) as Garfene Grandison, General Manager of the JWN Foundation looks on.

“The Cool in School’siInitiative was designed as a three-year programme, and Holland Primary was originally scheduled to benefit during phase two in April 2027. However, after learning of the circumstances facing students and teachers and seeing the urgent need for intervention, we decided to move up that timeline and provide support immediately. No child should have to learn in conditions that negatively impact their comfort and ability to concentrate.”

He continued: “Earlier this year, we implemented the Cool in School’s programme because we recognised that excessive heat in classrooms is more than an inconvenience. It directly affects student engagement, learning outcomes and overall well-being. These air coolers will provide some immediate relief while the school awaits the completion of its classroom reconstruction project, ensuring that students can continue learning in a more comfortable and conducive environment.”

Chairman of the JWN Foundation, JP Beyer, said the donation demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to supporting students overcoming adversities.

“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and communities. Through our Cool in School’s initiative, we are addressing a challenge that affects the daily learning experience of thousands of students. Holland Primary has been a valued partner of the Foundation for many years, and we are pleased to provide this support during what is clearly a challenging period for the school community. While this is a temporary solution, we hope it will bring meaningful relief to both students and teachers until the school’s permanent facilities are restored after which we will be back to install the additional fans in the classrooms,” Beyer said.

Principal Simone Doctor welcomed the donation, noting that the cooling units would significantly improve conditions for students currently learning in temporary spaces.

The foundation emphasised that the air coolers are intended as a temporary measure to support teaching and learning while reconstruction of the school’s classrooms is completed.

Once the rebuilding effort is finished, students and staff will be able to return to permanent learning spaces better equipped to support academic success, including wall or ceiling fans.