Parents’ association praises government’s post-hurricane education response

NPTAJ President Stewart Jacobs and members of the executive were special guests at the Senate last week, where they received a comprehensive briefing on the national response to restore teaching and learning. The invitation, the Association said, marked a significant step toward the kind of inclusive stakeholder engagement parents have demanded throughout the recovery period.

“The invitation to the Senate was appreciated, and the update was encouraging,” Jacobs said. “We are pleased to see tangible support reaching the system.”

The association specifically highlighted two critical measures: the provision of grant funding to early childhood institutions (ECIs) and the coordinated distribution of learning resources to students and schools. These steps, Jacobs noted, are vital for maintaining stability as infrastructure repairs continue.

“These interventions matter because they help to protect learning continuity at the most sensitive stages of development and reduce the burden on parents and teachers as communities rebuild,” he explained.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread disruption to school infrastructure and routines across multiple parishes. The NPTAJ acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge and welcomed reported progress in making temporary arrangements, repairing facilities, and delivering essential school supplies.

In the media release, the NPTAJ also issued a call to action for parents nationwide, urging them to “remain closely engaged with school leadership, ensure consistent attendance, and support educators as schools operate through transitional measures.”

The association reaffirmed its commitment to acting as a liaison between the Ministry of Education, school administrations, and local PTA chapters to ensure that urgent needs — particularly those of early childhood schools and vulnerable learners — are quickly identified and met.