Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Limited has donated 6,500 textbooks, valued $15.6 million, to support primary schools affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The donation was formally handed over on Thursday (March 12), during a ceremony at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Student Assessment Unit, located at the Caenwood Centre in Kingston.
The provision is in response to the damage and loss of essential teaching and learning resources experienced by several schools in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Carlong Publishers partnered with the Ministry through the National Education Trust (NET) to provide targeted support to the institutions most affected, pledging textbooks to help restore classroom instruction.
The books will be distributed to primary schools identified by the Ministry as most severely impacted, with NET overseeing the process to ensure they reach the institutions in greatest need.
Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle, stated that the donation represents an important step in supporting the recovery of affected schools.
“This special occasion reflects the strength of partnership and the shared commitment to ensuring that Jamaica’s students continue to have access to the resources they need to learn, grow and succeed,” she said in her remarks delivered by Assistant Chief Education Officer in the Ministry’s Media Services Unit, Dr. Nadine Simms.
Mrs. Thomas-Gayle noted that, in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, several schools faced significant disruptions, including the loss of critical classroom materials.
“Among [these were] essential teaching and learning materials, resources that are central to the delivery of instruction and the daily experiences of students in the classroom,” she indicated.
The Acting Chief Education Officer added that rebuilding these resources is essential to helping schools resume normal operations.
“It is, therefore, deeply encouraging to witness the generosity and commitment demonstrated by Carlong Publishers through this remarkable donation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Carlong Publishers’ Acting Marketing Manager, Bernadene Blake-McCalla, affirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting Jamaica’s education system, particularly during periods of recovery.
“As a good Corporate Citizen, Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Limited recognises the importance of supporting our education system,” she said.
Mrs. Blake-McCalla noted that the donation includes 500 copies each of 10 titles from the Carlong Primary Integrated Study Series, along with 500 copies each of three titles from the Carlong First Steps in Science series.
“These contributions reflect our long-standing commitment to the development of education and the well-being of our teachers and students,” she added.
For her part, NET Executive Director, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, emphasised that the donation will significantly enhance learning opportunities for students.
“Access to a full set of textbooks will transform their learning. It’s making it easier for them to follow lessons… complete their assignments and explore subject matters,” she said.
Mrs. Harris-Ghartey indicated that, prior to the donation, many students were forced to share textbooks, which hindered the learning process.
“Many of our students had to share a single textbook…; you had probably three or four students sharing one book. That made it difficult for them to follow along,” she said.
The Executive Director added that initiatives such as Carlong’s gesture underscore the importance of collaboration in strengthening the education sector.
“When communities, partners and donors come together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for young learners,” Mrs. Harris-Ghartey said.
Beneficiary schools represented at the ceremony included Christiana Moravian Primary and Infant School in Manchester and Park Mountain Primary and Infant School in St. Elizabeth.
