Foundation Seeks Aid to Rebuild Jamaica School After Hurricane Melissa

The devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever recorded to hit Jamaica, has left many communities in need of support. Among those hardest hit is the Sav Inclusive School, a vital educational institution that has suffered severe damage. Now, a New York-based nonprofit is stepping up to help rebuild this crucial learning environment.

The Rockhouse Foundation’s Recovery Efforts

The Rockhouse Foundation, dedicated to enhancing education in Jamaica, has launched the Rockhouse Foundation Hurricane Recovery Fund. This initiative aims to rally support for the Sav Inclusive School, which provides a fully inclusive learning environment for 265 students with disabilities, ranging from ages 3 to grade 6. The storm’s landfall, less than ten miles from the school’s campus, resulted in catastrophic damage.

According to the organization’s GoFundMe page, “Roofs were torn off, classrooms flooded, therapy rooms and learning materials destroyed, and our grounds left badly damaged.” The foundation emphasizes that “every act of kindness brings us closer to reopening our doors and continuing to change young lives through inclusion, love, and learning.”

Expanding Opportunities for Students

The recovery fund will not only address the immediate repair needs but also contribute to broader community recovery efforts. The Sav Inclusive School is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to inclusive education, with plans already in motion, in partnership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, to expand the school through the 12th grade over the next seven years. This expansion aims to provide continuous educational opportunities for students.

Since its launch in 2004, The Rockhouse Foundation has invested over $11 million in building schools across Jamaica. The Sav Inclusive School is one of six educational facilities established by the organization, including Moreland Hill Primary School, Little Bay All Age and Infant School, and the Negril Public Library. The foundation operates as both a registered Jamaican charity and a New York–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

How You Can Help

The Rockhouse Foundation is calling on individuals and organizations to contribute to their hurricane relief efforts. By supporting the Rockhouse Foundation Hurricane Recovery Fund, you can directly help rebuild the Sav Inclusive School and support the surrounding community’s recovery. Donations can be made through their GoFundMe page or via the Rockhouse Foundation’s website.