JTA setting up platform for international donors to assist hurricanes-hit teachers

 

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says it will be establishing a platform for international donors to assist teachers severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

 

JTA President Mark Malabver says the association is launching an international campaign for donors and is in the process of launching an online platform that can be used for support.

 

"We're excited about that. Through these initiatives, we will garner the support we need to reach our target. I can't speak too much on them because they are still in the making, they are still in the pipeline, so to speak. As the tap turns and the water starts to flow, the members will be updated," he suggested.  

 

Teachers whose properties were damaged by Hurricane Melissa are being asked to submit applications to their JTA regional office for assistance to rebuild. 

 

The JTA president appealed for the teachers to submit applications by Friday of this week.

 

"We are moving into the other component which has to be providing more tangible support to the members. So there are a number of applications that are beginning to come in. So there is an assessment process these application forms will have to go through before it comes up to the National Disaster Relief Oversight Committee. Then we will do a final assessment and approve or not approve the application. 

 

"We are looking to put out a hard deadline in very short order. We are looking at the end of this week, but we will do some internal assessment before we give that directive. So what I will do, I will encourage the members to ensure that their application gets into the respective regional offices by no later than Friday, just to be safe," he urged.

 

Mr. Malabver said the JTA's National Disaster Relief Oversight Committee is also partnering with international partners to provide psychosocial support to affected teachers.