Relief for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa devastated schools across Jamaica. Help us rebuild classrooms and replace damaged roofs so children can return to learning in safe environments.
What Happened
Hurricane Melissa struck the western region of the island with unprecedented force, bringing devastating winds and flooding that affected thousands of families. Communities came together in the face of adversity, showing remarkable resilience and solidarity. The storm left a lasting impact on infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. Emergency response teams worked tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected, while volunteers from across the region mobilized to help with recovery efforts
Clapham Infant and Primary
600+ Schools Damaged
Power & Clean Water Disrupted
Roofs Lost / Classrooms Exposed
Students Home Indefinitely
For many students, school has not resumed — classrooms are demolished, supplies are destroyed, and school administrators/students are in dire need of help
Before
Schools were thriving, students learning, communities strong.
Oct 28: Landfall
Hurricane Melissa struck with devastating force, destroying infrastructure.
Now
Communities rebuilding, but schools need urgent support to reopen.
What We Are Doing
We are focusing our relief efforts on the schools and their communities that need it most, working to restore safe learning environments for students affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Our Focus: Rural Schools in Western Jamaica
We are directing our efforts to two rural elementary schools in western Jamaica, where recovery resources are limited and communities were heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
The Damage: Roof Loss and Essential Supplies
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage to school infrastructure, particularly zinc roofing and water tanks leaving classrooms exposed and destroying essential learning materials.
Schools We Are Supporting
We are currently supporting Clapham Primary School and Kilmarnock Primary School. These schools are in the rural mountains of the western island. Both schools sustained significant structural damage and are closed or operating at limited capacity until repairs are completed.
Building Infrastructure & Classroom Furniture
Funds support damaged classroom furniture, water tanks and temporary tents to provide students and staff with a learning environment where they can thrive. Every contribution helps restore safe learning spaces.
Before & After
Clapham Infant and Primary
Before
After
Kilmarnock Infant and Primary
Before
After
Help Rebuild What Was Lost
"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." — Malala Yousafzai
A $9 pack of pencils becomes 50 learning tools—enough to put a pencil in the hand of nearly half the students at Clapham Primary for an entire term.
What Is Needed
School Supplies Still Needed
- ABC & number charts
- Whiteboards & markers
- Composition & spiral notebooks
- Pencils, pens, crayons, markers
- Backpacks
- Classroom learning materials
Building & Classroom Supplies
- Student desks
- Chairs
- Tables
- Classroom furniture
- Water tanks
- Basic building materials
These items are needed to safely reopen classrooms while ongoing repairs continue.
Choose How You Want to Help
Why We Need Your Support
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Students are home indefinitely with schools closed
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Utilities disrupted across affected areas
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Roofs destroyed, leaving families exposed
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Exam impact for Grades 4–6 students
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Early learning loss for Grades 1–3
Who Are We
This initiative is led by Sister Circle, a leadership and mentorship program for Black girls at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, California.
Sister Circle was founded and is directed by Ayana Peters, a veteran teacher at Crossroads with years of experience empowering young women through education and community engagement. Ayana leads the program alongside Lisa Goldson, Sister Circle’s Program Coordinator, a parent (P ‘31) at Crossroads who was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and has maintained a deep passion and commitment to supporting her communities.
The Hurricane Melissa relief effort is being managed by Kim Matthews, Sister Circle’s Outreach Coordinator and parent ( P ‘29) whose established career in healthcare reflects the same dedication to service that drives this mission. Kim is working with five dedicated Sister Circle students who serve on the program’s Outreach Committee. Each year, this committee identifies meaningful community service causes that align with their mission of giving back. When Hurricane Melissa devastated schools across Jamaica, these young women immediately recognized the urgent need and mobilized to help students just like them.
Our campaign is built on accountability, transparency, and genuine care for the communities we serve.
Thank you for trusting us with your generosity and for believing in this mission.
Student Committee
London Johnson
Cayden Matthews
Abigail Dacosta
Deneya Ahmed
Sage Gidada
London Johnson
Cayden Matthews
Abigail Dacosta
Deneya Ahmed
Sage Gidada
How It Works
Your donation makes a direct impact on hurricane recovery efforts
Donate School Supplies
Amazon Wishlist donations
- Browse our curated Amazon Wishlist of essential school supplies identified by impacted schools
- Choose items that fit your budget and donation preference
- Complete your purchase through Amazon’s secure checkout
- Items are shipped to the fundraiser’s Amazon Gift Registry address
- Our team coordinates sorting and delivery to affected schools and communities in Jamaica
Every item purchased goes directly to students who lost their supplies in the hurricane.
Donate Funds
General recovery support
- Choose your donation amount
- Funds are pooled with other contributions
- Our team identifies the most urgent community needs
- Resources are distributed to families, schools, and local organizations
- You receive quarterly impact reports showing how funds were used
Clapham Infant and Primary Gallery
