Post-Melissa – Mentor/mentee Check in

---

Two meetings held on Saturday and Sunday, 8–9 November 2025 focused on the urgent needs of mentees affected by Hurricane Melissa. Discussions centered on providing both immediate and

long-term support through relief efforts, educational assistance, and coordinated outreach.

Mentors shared updates on mentees across the island, noting the varied regional impacts of the

hurricane and the challenges in mobilizing aid, particularly around logistics and security. 

The group acknowledged the broader community disruptions and emphasized the importance of

keeping schools operational as a step toward restoring normalcy.

Engagement Overview

• 95% of mentors who attended the meeting and/or completed the needs-assessment form

have succeeded in making contact with their mentees.

• 90% of mentors have already offered monetary mentee support or have pledged to do so.

Hurricane Aid for Mentees – Coordination

Mentors emphasized the importance of aligning support with existing aid efforts and working

alongside educational institutions. The group agreed to collaborate with external organizations to

provide sustained assistance. Offers were made to match mentees with available support programs

through diaspora networks.

Relief Logistics

Significant logistical challenges were discussed, including transportation barriers, supply shortages,

and security concerns when distributing aid. These discussions were relative to mentees as per

conversations with their mentors. A verified online platform, https://grocerylistjamaica.com , which

facilitates grocery delivery from diaspora supporters, was presented on Saturday; co-founder Jermaine Morgan joined Sunday’s meeting to explain the platform’s operations and field questions.

Subsequently mentors have been using the service to assist their mentees and have reported a seamless experience.

Impact on Jamaican Students mentees

Mentors reported that many mentees are currently living without electricity, raising concerns about

missed academic instruction and widening learning gaps. The group stressed the need for accurate,

region-specific data to assess varying needs across communities. Members agreed that the overall

response must balance immediate relief with long-term educational and emotional support. A

separate meeting was held with a certified mental healthcare professional and mentor from the UK

diaspora in order to seek out individualized solutions for mentees and their families under dire strain.

Other mental health and wellness channels have been sourced and shared.

Student and Family Well-Being

Mentors noted the emotional strain on both mentees and their own family members, some

of whom remain out of contact. Participants highlighted the need for trauma-informed

support in addition to material aid. Limited device connectivity has slowed formal mentorship

timelines, but the programme has naturally shifted into individualized support—reflecting

what mentees currently need most. Concerns about food security and widening educational

gaps arose repeatedly. Parents and princpals are also generally in the loop as well as the focal

point from the Minsitery of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

Post-Hurricane Education and Support

A Peace Corps volunteer in Kingston reported that her mentee’s family in Spanish Town is

safe, though her own capacity to help is limited. Other mentors shared that although

schools are reopening, both students and teachers remain emotionally unprepared. The

Ministry of Education has mandated a return to classes while also requiring schools to

provide mental health and emotional support.

One mentor noted that schools are serving as safe spaces for students and parents, offering

meals through PATH (Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education).

Participants also acknowledged the cumulative emotional toll of repeated disruptions—

Beryl, Melissa, and COVID-19 as voiced by their mentees and family members.

Next Steps

• Work with Ms. Kerry B. to match schools with UK-based diaspora assistance programs.

• Mentors who have not yet completed the needs-assessment form were asked to do so that we can

better quantify and organize needs and approach aid organizations /partners with tangible updated

data.

Reminder: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jamaica-diaspora-mentorship-academy

We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire mentor community for their unwavering

compassion, responsiveness, generosity and commitment—their support is making a real

and tangible difference.