By KLTV Newsdesk –

Fundraising drive launched to help Priory school rebuild and support pupils after months of disruption

More than two months after Jamaica was struck by the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall on the island, many communities are still grappling with the long road to recovery.

Hurricane Melissa hit on 28 October 2025, leaving widespread devastation across multiple parishes.

While some areas have received national and international attention, communities in St Ann, Trelawny, St James and Hanover continue to face ongoing hardship largely out of the spotlight.

A school struggling to keep learning alive

Among the affected communities is Priory in St Ann, home to Priory Primary & Infant School, where hurricane damage has severely disrupted education and placed further strain on families already facing significant challenges.

Even before the storm, parts of the school were operating from shipping containers due to limited space.

Hurricane damage has since worsened the situation, with a damaged roof and the loss of classroom space forcing staff to convert the school’s small library into a temporary classroom in order to keep lessons going.

Community-led response takes shape

In response, a family with deep roots in Hanover and Trelawny — now based in St Ann — has launched the first phase of a fundraising effort to support the school and its pupils.

Education has always been central to the family’s upbringing, and they say supporting a local school felt like the most meaningful way to begin helping their wider community recover.

Practical support for children and families

Funds raised will be used to repair the school’s damaged roof and provide essential supplies for children returning to school in January.

These include pencils and exercise books, reading books, food supplies and art materials.

Many families in surrounding rural areas are still without reliable electricity or water and are struggling to meet basic needs.

Organisers say the initiative is focused on providing practical support, dignity and hope, while longer-term plans are developed to assist more schools and communities across the region.

Appeal for donations and solidarity

Donations of any size are welcome, with organisers committing to share updates showing how contributions are making a difference on the ground.

As Jamaicans say, “wi likkle but wi tallwah” — we may be small, but we are strong.

Those wishing to support the appeal are encouraged to donate via https://gofund.me/6b067125a and to share the campaign widely within their networks, helping the Priory community start 2026 stronger than the difficult months they have endured.