Psychosocial support and targeted learning-loss interventions have served as central pillars of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s recovery effort in Region Five in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Regional Director, Susan Nelson Smith, told JIS News that emotional well-being was prioritised before and during the reopening of schools.
She noted that the initiative was first implemented among school leaders, many of whom had been directly affected by the hurricane.
“We conducted a series of psychosocial sessions at the Quality Education Circle (QEC) level for all our principals, just to give them a chance to talk about the hurricane. We also embarked on what we call art therapy, just to allow them to be in a space where they could speak and be free,” the Director said.
Additionally, Mrs. Nelson Smith indicated that support was extended to teachers, non-academic staff and students, with large-scale sessions also involving parents and community members.
Regarding learning loss, the Regional Director noted that alternative methods were implemented during the period after the hurricane when schools could not reopen immediately.
“We provided printed materials, and principals and teachers went into the communities to ensure that the students were provided with these. During the Christmas break, we had Primary Exit Profile (PEP) camps and also camps for our Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and City and Guild students,” she informed.
Mrs. Nelson Smith said these efforts were instrumental in ensuring continuity of teaching and learning across the Region.
“We were happy to see that teachers were in class and that active teaching and learning was taking place,” she told JIS News.
