Munro College and Hampton School in St. Elizabeth are optimistic about resuming full classes by September 16, following significant damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in early July. Both schools were heavily affected by the storm, leaving several key buildings in need of repairs. Relief supplies from the Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans at Home (JAHJAH) Foundation, along with their partners, have provided a much-needed boost in recovery efforts, helping the institutions get closer to welcoming all students back.
While most Jamaican schools started the 2024/2025 academic year the week of September 2, Munro and Hampton faced delays due to extensive storm damage. The Ministry of Education and Youth committed to repairs, but many crucial structures still require attention. This is where the JAHJAH Foundation’s donations of zinc, plywood, and other vital materials have proven essential.
Clarence Burrell, senior teacher and first-form year coordinator at Munro College, expressed immense gratitude for the foundation’s support. “We are very grateful to the JAHJAH Foundation and Dr. Dixon for the assistance; it will definitely go a far way. This will add to what we would have gotten from the Ministry of Education to repair areas like the dormitory, auditorium, and staff housing,” Burrell said.
He revealed that 31 of Munro’s 35 buildings suffered damage, including entire classroom blocks losing roofs. “The auditorium lost half of its roof, and several staff housing units, including my own, were also affected,” he shared. Despite these setbacks, Munro is proceeding with repairs while continuing classes.
Hampton School’s principal, Mahvell Charlton-Brown, also expressed appreciation for the foundation’s donations. “Hampton suffered significant damage with roofs lost on four classroom blocks, as well as in science labs, dormitories, and administrative spaces,” she said. While one block was completed in time for the new school year, the school is still awaiting the completion of the remaining blocks.
Hampton has implemented a phased reopening, with plans to have all 1,200 students back on campus by September 16, contingent on the completion of repairs. “The materials from JAHJAH Foundation will help us restore other areas not covered by ministry support, such as a classroom in the sixth-form complex,” Charlton-Brown explained during the donation handover event at Santa Cruz United Church last week.
Munro College, meanwhile, received approval for a delayed start. Burrell outlined the school’s phased orientation, which began on September 8, with first-form students arriving for orientation, followed by second and third formers, and finally fourth and fifth formers by the end of the week. Full classes are scheduled to begin on September 16.
Both schools remain hopeful that repairs will be completed on time. “Our boys are better engaged in the physical space, so we are working hard to ensure everything is ready for their return,” Burrell said. With the combined efforts of the Ministry of Education, alumni, and JAHJAH Foundation, Munro College and Hampton School are making strides toward normalcy after the devastation of Hurricane Beryl.
