MoBay school opens doors to displaced students

With many students having their education hampered by the havoc caused to schools by Hurricane Melissa, one Montego Bay school has become an unexpected lifeline.

Fairfield International Academy (FIA) has thrown open its gates to students from across Region Four who suddenly found themselves without a classroom to return to. Principal Sarah Meany, who has led the academy since its inception in 2018, said the decision was born out of the devastation they were seeing across St James.

"It came to our attention that there were many, many schools that were in Region 4 that were massively damaged by the devastation of the hurricane," she said. FIA's campus was spared the worst, and Meany said once they were able to recover by cleaning up debris and fixing the relatively minimal damage, they decided to accommodate displaced students.

"We are open if you do not have a school to attend right now. We are open and we are waiving tuition till the end of term," she said.

Meany said that as an educator, to fathom an abrupt end to teaching the nation's youth is an impossible scenario. Her own community of Kempshot was hit hard, making the crisis even more personal.

"It is heartbreaking, so many families have lost everything," she said. Meany said parents, teachers and students came together quickly and worked tirelessly to clean up the institution.

"It was important for us at Fairfield International Academy to reopen as soon as possible to create continued learning for our students, in a safe, structured environment. It was paramount to regain a sense of normalcy for our students and teachers as they processed their trauma after the storm. With so many families that have lost everything, there is a desperate need to rebuild which includes getting back to work and not worrying that your children are safe."

On Thursday, FIA hosted 55 students across Region 4, from 21 affected schools.

"Right now we have about 55 and I'd say that we have capacity for maybe about 20 more. At around 140, we'll be at full capacity. But that being said, we have set up tents for more learning spaces at the extend classroom."

Meany said the emotional first day back on November 10, will stay with her forever.

"Each day has been so memorable. The hugs, smiles and tears from parents old and new have been overwhelming, and the happiness of the students, and their gratitude to continue learning has been incredible," she said, adding that the new children blended in seamlessly. "If you did not know, you would not know that the kids weren't ours on a full-time basis. It has been heart-warming and they are embracing and accepting the opportunity."

To help students settle, FIA leaned on its well-being programme, which includes "table talks, mindful meditation and movement breaks in nature along with generalised well-being checks throughout each day".

"With empathy, and compassion, and a collaborative spirit that is embracing and welcoming, our students are exuding our school mission vision and promise and showing such love for the new students on campus. We are all learning from each other and it is unfolding beautifully," she said.

She hoped that the displaced students leave with more than just academics.

"We hope that the experience learning at FIA will help bridge the uncertainty and disruption caused by the storm, to bridge the continuity of learning," Meany said.

She said that despite all the destruction, death, and sadness that surrounds many parts of the island, she was overwhelmed with the positive energy of the students and the visible unity of so many displaced.

"The sight of all the students working, playing and learning together felt hopeful, the power of their combined strength and resilience shone a light on the why, and the purpose for us to rise," she said.

"Despite the challenges, devastation and changes we may face, there is a quiet calling to unify. Through such collaboration, I am certain we will continue to rise, rebuild our schools, communities and nation for a stronger future together," Meany added.