Rebuild Rusea’s High School: Restoring Education, Heritage, and Hope in Jamaica
Educate U is committing $2,000 to this effort—and we are inviting our community to match and multiply that gift.
This year, the Michael H. Chen Scholarship Fundraiser is about more than scholarships. It’s about protecting education at its source.
In October, Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage across Hanover, Jamaica—devastating homes, families, and Rusea’s High School, one of the country’s oldest and most important public schools. Founded in 1777, Rusea’s serves over 1,600 students each year and includes the historic Fort Charlotte campus, a protected heritage site that still functions as a learning space for today’s youth.
After the storm, classrooms were damaged, roofs compromised, and students were displaced from safe learning environments. While government recovery efforts are underway, the need is immediate—and schools like Rusea’s cannot afford to wait.
Why Rusea’s High School
Rusea’s has always stood at the intersection of education, history, and community. For nearly 250 years, it has opened doors for generations of Jamaican students—many from working-class families who rely on public education as their pathway forward.
This fundraiser will support urgent school repairs and recovery, including:
Roof and classroom restoration
- Safe learning spaces for students
- Essential supplies to resume daily instruction
Our Commitment
For the past six years, Educate U has proudly awarded scholarships to students in honor of Michael H. Chen, whose life was rooted in the belief that education changes everything.
This year, we honor his legacy by expanding that belief—recognizing that students cannot thrive without safe schools.
100% of funds raised will go directly toward recovery efforts supporting Rusea’s High School and community-based partners working on the ground in Jamaica. Transparency and impact have always been at the heart of our work.
How You Can Help?
If you’ve ever asked, “What can I do?”—this is it.
Your donation:
- Rebuilds roofs
- Restores dignity to students and teachers
- Preserves a historic Jamaican institution
Sends a powerful message: education matters, even in crisis!
No amount is too small. Every contribution helps Rusea’s rise again.
Please join us in matching our $2,000 commitment and standing with the students, families, and educators of Hanover.
Together, we rebuild.
Together, we rise.
Thank you for giving with heart.
Organizer
