The National Education Trust (NET) today, 16 April 2026, marked a significant milestone in post-disaster recovery with the official handover of repair works at the Sandy Bank Primary School in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, reaffirming its commitment to restoring safe and supportive learning environments for Jamaica’s children.

The Sandy Bank Primary School was among the institutions significantly impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure and disrupted the teaching and learning environment. The resulting conditions posed safety concerns and limited the school’s ability to operate effectively, underscoring the urgent need for targeted intervention.

In response, Stand Up For Jamaica, with funding support from the German Embassy in Kingston, provided grant financing of approximately €56,000 to facilitate essential repair works. These included restoration of the roof and ceiling, as well as the provision of key equipment such as a generator and kitchen items to support the school’s daily operations.

The National Education Trust, an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, played a central role in coordinating and facilitating the restoration efforts. Through its mandate to mobilise resources and manage strategic partnerships, NET worked closely with Stand Up For Jamaica and the German Embassy to ensure a timely, efficient and impactful response.

The works were executed by Almoni Construction Services under a collaborative framework, with NET providing technical oversight, project management support and continuous monitoring to ensure delivery in accordance with established standards and within the agreed timeline.

The Official Handover Ceremony, held at the Sandy Bank Primary School in Treasure Beach, brought together key stakeholders and members of the community in a shared celebration of resilience and partnership.

Delivering greetings, Mrs. Opal Smith-Alexander, JP, Principal of the Sandy Bank Primary School, reflected on the school’s journey, noting, “This restoration represents more than repairs—it is a renewal of hope for our students and staff. We are deeply grateful to all who made this possible.”

Mrs. Keisha Johnson, Director, Donor and Partnership Management at the National Education Trust, underscored the importance of collaboration, stating, “This initiative is a clear reflection of what we call the Invested Village—partners coming together with a shared commitment to our children and their future.”

Also sharing remarks, Mrs. Tamesha Dyght-Jones, Chairman of the Board of Management at the Sandy Bank Primary School, expressed appreciation for the support received, noting, “Today’s handover is a testament to what can be achieved when communities and partners come together with a shared purpose. Our students now have a safer and more supportive environment in which to learn and grow.”

Presentations were delivered by Ms. Maria Carla Gullotta, Executive Director of Stand Up For Jamaica, and His Excellency Ian Hendrik van Thiel, Ambassador of the German Embassy in Kingston. In her remarks, Ms. Gullotta shared, “We are proud to stand in solidarity with this community. Supporting children and education remains at the heart of our mission.”

His Excellency Ambassador van Thiel added, “This partnership demonstrates the impact of purposeful’s development, particularly in times of need”

Delivering remarks, Senator the Honourable Marlon Morgan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.

“As a Ministry, we remain committed to ensuring that every child learns in a safe and supportive environment. Today’s handover reflects the strength of partnership in restoring stability within our schools and maintaining continuity in education,” he stated.

The Honourable Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, also commended the initiative, noting, “This represents the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting our communities, particularly in times of recovery. Through partnerships such as these, we are able to rebuild, restore and create opportunities for our children and families to thrive.”

The ceremony also acknowledged the presence and support of board members, community members and students, whose resilience continues to inspire.

This intervention forms part of NET’s broader commitment to supporting recovery and strengthening the resilience of Jamaica’s education system, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. By facilitating partnerships and ensuring accountability, NET continues to act in the best interest of schools and the wider education sector.

Through this initiative, the Sandy Bank Primary School is now better equipped to provide a safe, secure and conducive learning environment, supporting the continued growth and development of its students.