About the organiser

My name is Denise Henry, and I am the NEU Black Members Representative (UK). I am organising this fundraiser on behalf of the NEU Black Educators network following urgent requests for support for Jamaica.

*Why we are raising funds*

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has caused catastrophic destruction across Jamaica. Schools, homes and entire communities have been severely affected. Many children have lost their homes, classrooms, supplies, and access to safe learning spaces.

Education is more than lessons - it’s stability, hope and a lifeline for children in times of crisis. We are raising funds to help restore schools and ensure children can continue learning despite the disaster.

*How funds will be used*

All donations will directly support education-focused emergency relief, including:

Urgent repair and restoration of damaged schools

Replacement of school supplies, uniforms, furniture, and learning materials

Support for students and families who have lost homes and belongings.

Aid for teachers and school staff impacted by the hurricane

Community-based education recovery programmes

We are partnering only with trusted, non-partisan relief organisations on the ground in Jamaica to ensure funds go where they are most needed.

* School Supplies Needed*

In addition to rebuilding schools, we are collecting essential school supplies to help students continue learning. Donations can be directed toward any of the following items:

Stationery & Writing Materials

Pencils, pens (blue/black), colouring pencils, colour pens & highlighters

Rubber erasers, pencil sharpeners

Exercise books, A4 refill pads, notebooks

Glue sticks, safety scissors, rulers

Correction tape / Tipex

Maths sets (protractors, compasses, etc.)

Scientific calculators

Geometry sets (compass, protractor, mathematical drawing tools)

Whiteboards, whiteboard markers, board erasers, whiteboard spray erasers

USB flash drives, dictionaries, thesauruses

*Organisation & Storage*

Plastic wallets/folders, ring binders/folders

School bags, lunchboxes, water bottles

Name tags and stickers

Planners to track assignments and deadlines

*Classroom Supplies*

Chalk (especially white), reading books, wipes

*Clothing & Uniforms*

School socks, white uniform blouses/shirts, school shoes

*Technology & Learning Tools*

Chromebooks, tablets

Transparency & Accountability

To ensure every donation reaches those who need it most, we will provide receipts, photographs and updates showing how funds and supplies are used. I am planning to travel to Jamaica in December 2025 to personally coordinate school-based relief efforts and

monitor distribution.

Donations will be distributed impartially and non-partisanly, based solely on need.

*How you can help*

Every contribution matters.

Even a small donation can:

Restore a classroom

Replace lost school supplies

Provide school meals or essential learning tools

Give children hope and stability in the aftermath of disaster

Please donate if you can and share this fundraiser widely with your networks.

Together, we can help rebuild schools and hope for Jamaica’s children.

**Contact for fundraising inquiries only*

For any questions about donations or school supplies, please contact:

Denise Henry

NEU Black Members Representative

Email: [email redacted].uk

Thank you sincerely for your support.

Denise Henry

National Education Union - Black Members Representative