Are Nearly 477,000 Children Facing Education Disruptions Due to Hurricane Melissa?
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Synopsis
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, nearly 477,000 children in Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica are struggling to maintain their education. With schools damaged and classes disrupted, UNICEF is stepping in to provide vital support. Discover how these nations are coping with the aftermath of the storm and the efforts being made to restore education.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 477,000 children are facing educational disruptions.
- UNICEF is actively working to provide essential supplies.
- Efforts are being made to restore damaged schools.
- 500 teachers will receive specialized training.
- Hurricane Melissa has significantly impacted over 5 million people.
United Nations, Nov 18 (NationPress) Nearly 477,000 children across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica are facing severe interruptions in their education three weeks post the impact of Hurricane Melissa, according to a UN spokesperson.
With numerous schools either damaged or shut down, many children have been compelled to miss classes or learn in makeshift environments that lack essential resources for effective education, stated Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a daily briefing.
In light of this, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is collaborating with local authorities and organizations to deliver essential supplies and is working on the restoration of damaged schools, he reported.
In Cuba, UNICEF has strategically pre-positioned resources to assist 21,000 students, including educational kits. In Haiti, the agency has supplied 2,800 school kits across the Sud and Nippes departments, with further initiatives planned in the upcoming weeks.
Furthermore, in Jamaica, UNICEF has provided educational materials and created up to 100 temporary learning spaces to assist 10,000 children, as per the spokesperson's remarks.
Moreover, 500 teachers will receive training, building upon the 1,000 educators already trained in the Return to Happiness methodology, enabling them to support their own recovery and offer psychosocial assistance to around 18,000 students. Notably, Jamaica has not faced such a powerful hurricane since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, as noted by Anne-Claire Fontan, a specialist in tropical cyclones at WMO, during a United Nations media briefing. Hurricane Melissa is also expected to impact Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds, she added.
Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in the Caribbean in late October, has affected over 5 million people across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, inflicting significant damage to infrastructure and vital services, according to UN estimates, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
On October 29, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declared Hurricane Melissa the strongest tropical cyclone of the year globally, predicting it would induce the most severe storm effects of this century on Jamaica.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the humanitarian crisis impacting thousands of children in the Caribbean due to Hurricane Melissa. The situation calls for immediate global attention and support. The efforts by UNICEF and local governments are crucial in mitigating the long-term effects of this disaster on education and community well-being. Our commitment remains with the nations affected, and we must advocate for their recovery.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children are affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Nearly 477,000 children in Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica are experiencing significant disruptions to their schooling due to Hurricane Melissa.
What is UNICEF doing to help the affected children?
UNICEF is working with local governments to deliver supplies, rehabilitate damaged schools, and provide educational kits to students.
What kind of support is being provided in Jamaica?
In Jamaica, UNICEF has supplied learning materials and established temporary learning spaces for approximately 10,000 children.
What training is being provided for teachers?
500 teachers will be trained in the 'Return to Happiness' methodology to support their recovery and assist students.
How has Hurricane Melissa affected infrastructure?
Hurricane Melissa has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and essential services, affecting over 5 million people across the Caribbean.
