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Ann-Marie Simmonds, Rabdan Academy, United Arab EmiratesAbstract
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to climate related disasters, and the educational consequences of severe storms can be both immediate and long-lasting. Using the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa on the island of Jamaica as a case study, this presentation examines how infrastructural damage, community displacement, and prolonged electricity outages create significant barriers to learning, particularly for rural and low-income students. These conditions often render technology-dependent solutions impractical, which underscores the need for alternative continuity plans that can function without either reliable electricity or internet access. Drawing on research from UNESCO, UNIECEF and regional Caribbean studies, this presentation identifies strategies to support and sustain learning during and after crises. Proposed measures include printed learning packets, generator-powered community study hubs, and educational radio broadcasts. The discussion also highlights the importance of infrastructural resilience such as hurricane-resistant school buildings and decentralized power systems as critical components of educational preparedness. Finally, the presentation advocates embedding disaster awareness and climate resilience into Caribbean curricula to equip students and educators for future disruptions. By addressing both immediate and systemic challenges, this research aims to inform policy and practice for disaster-resilient education in SIDS.
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