Primary school head and charity director team up in call for aid donations for those affected by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean

two people pose amonst donated good — Lorna Jackson and Seymour Mattis

Maryland Primary School’s Head teacher Lorna Jackson has appealed to Newham schools for donations to aid those affected by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. The relief drive is being coordinated by Seymour Mattis, Director of Education charity JET-UK.

Seymour regularly visits schools in Jamaica providing resources and training. Many of the schools he supports on the south coast of Jamaica have been decimated by the hurricane which reached Category 5. There is still no power and it will take months to repair buildings.

Seymour asked Jackson to spread the word requesting educational resources. Lorna emailed Newham schools who rose to the call and delivered unwanted stock to help the children in Jamaica. Families sent hygiene items, dental items and non-perishable food to support the relief. Lorna said: “I was born in that area of Jamaica and I don’t believe there was enough news coverage of the devastation that the Caribbean is suffering, the UK general election knocked it out of the news, which is quite understandable, but we should make no mistake that all is well after the hurricane passed on. News teams need to highlight the aftermath including the trauma many children are suffering from after seeing their school blown away.

“I am so grateful to my colleagues for their kindness no matter how small. There is a Jamaican saying… Every mickle makes a muckle… which means even the tiniest thing like a bar of soap, will make a difference. Thank you also to JET-UK who will now need to organise shipping.”

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