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Our first project focuses on restoring Barbary Hall Primary & Infant School in St. Elizabeth, helping students, teachers, and families recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa left families, students, and teachers facing unimaginable losses. Temporary roofing, clean water access, communication tools, and a generator are urgently needed to stabilize the school. Together, we can help this community regain safety, dignity, and hope.

Together We Restore is Bringing Relief and Restoration to jamaica

Together We Restore was founded by Nadine Riley, who was born and raised in Jamaica before building her life and career in New York. Her connection to the island has always remained close. When Hurricane Melissa struck, many of us, near and far, felt the weight of its impact, especially knowing how deeply the storm affected the children, families, and educators who depend on their schools for stability.

Barbary Hall Primary & Infant School became our first project for a meaningful reason. The school is connected to Nadine’s family, and a teacher there once advocated for her nephew in a way that changed the course of his care. Even with damage to her own home, she spoke about reopening the school as soon as possible, knowing how much the children needed the routine and comfort it provides. Her commitment, even while rebuilding her own life, reflects the strength of this community and made Barbary Hall the natural place to begin.

Together We Restore is being carried forward by many people who are stepping in to help. This mission is a shared commitment to show up for Jamaica, starting with Barbary Hall and continuing wherever restoration is needed most.

A Mission inspired by compassion and Community

our promise is to restore what’s broken, uplift what remains, and rebuild with dignity and purpose.

We are working in close collaboration with:

Barbary Hall Primary & Infant School
(on-site leadership)

Barbary Hall Community Development Committee
(distribution, family support, and logistics)

These trusted community-led organizations ensure that support reaches the students, staff, and families who need it most.

community partnerships

Project 01: Restoring Barbary Hall Primary & Infant School

Together we restore

WE CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL Because IT is a building and it’s a lifeline.

Barbary Hall Primary & Infant School serves 86 students and 16 teachers/staff (pre-hurricane). After Hurricane Melissa, the school suffered extensive damage: destroyed learning spaces, compromised roofing, and disrupted classroom operations. Families and staff also faced displacement, food insecurity, and loss of basic necessities.

This first restoration effort focuses on helping the school reopen safely by addressing the immediate needs that affect education, safety, and community well-being.

What’s Needed Right Now

Immediate Recovery Needs

Generator to power the Building
Water trucking & purification supplies to fund 1 year of water
Temporary roofing (tarpaulins) for displaced students and staff
Starlink internet for communication and coordination
Basic kitchen equipment to restart the school canteen
Mattresses & inflatable beds for displaced families

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EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES

Fans for ventilation and comfort
Notebooks, pens, pencils, backpacks
Whiteboards, bookshelves, storage units
Teacher support materials including laptops
Classroom aids, teaching materials, lesson planning tools

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FOOD SUPPORT

Items for daily school meals
Canned goods: meats, vegetables, fruits, beans
Dry goods: rice, flour, pasta, cornmeal, sugar, crackers, oil, peanut butter

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Health, Wellness & Hygiene

Cleaning supplies
Insect repellent/bug spray
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sanitary items
Over-the-counter medication & first-aid supplies

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long-term rebuilding

A new roof for the school, assessed and prioritized
Structural repairs needed for full reopening

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In the weeks following Hurricane Melissa, the school began a major cleanup project. Here are some of the photos that show the damage, the resilience of the community, and the early steps toward restoration.

What Hurricane Melissa Left Behind

give today

Your support brings food to children, supplies to classrooms, roofs over families, and power back to essential school operations. Every contribution, big or small, helps restore not just a building, but a sense of normalcy and belonging for an entire community.

You Can Help Restore Safety, Stability, and Hope

share this project with your network

Partner with us if you are part of an organization that supports disaster recovery or education

Contribute skills or resources that may support the school or families

If you are unable to give financially, there are still meaningful ways to support this mission through community and connection:

more ways you can help

Together we restore

Our long-term goal is to support multiple communities as they rebuild after crisis and disaster. Schools are the heart of every village and supporting them supports entire families.

This Is Only the Beginning

Care@togetherwerestore.org | (646) 820-0156

Together We Restore works directly with community leaders on the ground to ensure donations reach the students, teachers, and families most affected. Updates will be shared regularly through this website and our partner organizations.

stay connected

If you have questions, want to partner, or wish to support future projects, we welcome your outreach.