In February, the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica hosted capacity development workshops for 30 Guidance Counsellors and other staff members from local schools in Kingston and Manchester. The sessions were led by representatives from Project Fleur-de-lis (a U.S-based organisation which helps to strengthen mental health services in schools and communities), and aimed to better equip attendees to provide support to those who have been impacted by natural disasters. This, of course, was timely as many Jamaicans continue to suffer from the trauma and devastation of Hurricane Melissa. These workshops expand upon the support which Project Fleur-de-lis (PFDL) already started to give to Mercy Schools immediately after the hurricane.
Born in response to the urgent community needs that emerged after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Project Fleur-de-lis has long been committed to supporting communities in times of crisis. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, many students across the island faced profound challenges—from the destruction of homes and the loss of loved ones to ongoing economic instability. In light of this, school mental health professionals must be thoroughly equipped to respond to the wide range of needs that such disasters create. Attendees were also reminded of the importance of caring for themselves while supporting others. Healthy coping mechanisms were shared and persons were encouraged to do regular check-ins to assess how they are doing in five key areas: Work, Love, Play, Sleep, and Eat[ing].
Due to the essential nature of these workshops, the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica invited other, non-Mercy schools (of all educational levels) to participate. Kingston-based schools which attended included the Donald Quarrie High School, Melrose Primary and Infant School, Jacks Hill Primary & Infant School and Jamaica Theological College. This is in addition to Alpha schools like Alpha Vocational Training Centre, Alpha Primary, Alpha Infant, and Alpha Academy. The second session, held in Mandeville, was attended by representatives from Broadleaf Primary & Infant School, Bishop Gibson High School for Girls, St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre, Mount St. Joseph Prep and Mount St. Joseph Catholic High School.
This proved to be a very enriching experience for all involved. In fact, following these workshops, Project Fleur-de-lis has held a number of smaller sessions with participating schools. Furthermore, Bishop Gibson High School became inspired to stage a similar workshop for schools in the area. These activities as well as developing plans for future engagements with PFDL highlights the need among schools to help students build resilience to various crises. We are happy that, through this partnership, we were able to strengthen professionals not only in our own Mercy community but in the wider Jamaica.
