Unicef Jamaica

05/11/2026

04/11/2026

What do schools, health centres and nutrition programmes have in common?

They all help children thrive, and they are supported through public funding.

Students at Marcus Garvey Technical High School in St Ann had an engaging conversation on public financing for children during Mrs Kitty's recent School Tour.

Together, we explored how Government funding supports important services that young people use every day, including education, health and nutrition.

Students also learned about the different sources of Government funding, including taxes, grants and loans, and why these investments matter for children's well-being and future opportunities.

One of the highlights of the session was hearing students share their views, ask thoughtful questions and connect the national budget to their everyday lives. Their participation was a powerful reminder that young people have valuable ideas and should be part of conversations that shape their future.

A special thank you to the students of Marcus Garvey Technical High for their enthusiasm and curiosity, and to Mrs. Kitty for helping to make learning about public financing both meaningful and fun.

02/11/2026

National Youth Month 2026 is an opportunity to celebrate, connect with, and empower young people across Jamaica.

Under the theme "YOUth WILL," we recognize the creativity, leadership, resilience, and determination of young people to shape the future they want to see.

This month and beyond, let's continue creating spaces where young voices are heard, valued, and supported to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

30/10/2026

When disasters strike, learning should not stop.

During , on the eve of the one year mark for Hurricane Melissa, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information launched the Strengthening Disaster Risk Management in Schools Project, supported by ECHO The European Union in Jamaica 🇪🇺.

Through this initiative, we’re strengthening preparedness, protecting learning continuity, and helping schools better withstand and recover from disasters.

29/10/2026

Our U-Matter chatline is back up and running and our counsellors are ready to respond to your messages. 💬

Thank you so much for your patience while we worked to resolve the issue. We’re here for you!

29/10/2026

One year ago, Hurricane Melissa changed the lives of thousands of children and families across Jamaica.

Since then, UNICEF and partners have supported recovery efforts across multiple sectors:

☑️ Restoring access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene
☑️ Helping children return to safe learning environments
☑️Supporting health and nutrition services, including providing psychosocial support
☑️Strengthening child protection and providing child-friendly spaces
☑️Improving social protection and supporting vulnerable families, including those with children with disabilities

Recovery is about more than rebuilding infrastructure. It's about restoring hope, protecting children's rights and helping communities prepare for future shocks.

As we mark one year since Hurricane Melissa, we thank our partners, donors, frontline workers and communities who have worked tirelessly to support every child on the path to recovery.

26/10/2026

When disasters strike, children are among the most vulnerable, and planning for their protection must begin before an emergency occurs. On International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNICEF and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (The ODPEM) brought together government agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders to review and validate Jamaica’s revised Guidelines for Child-Friendly Disaster Management and Response.

The workshop, made possible with the kind support of ECHO (The European Union in Jamaica 🇪🇺), focused on ensuring that the needs, rights, and wellbeing of children are reflected across disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Through interactive discussions and sector-based reviews, participants helped strengthen guidance for child-centred humanitarian action across health, nutrition, education, child protection, WASH, and social protection sectors.

Over the coming weeks, stakeholders will be trained in the revised guidelines to help ensure that children remain at the centre of disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response efforts across Jamaica.

Together, we are building a more resilient Jamaica where every child is protected before, during, and after emergencies.

23/10/2026

Where Does the Money Go? Paul Bogle High Students Are Finding Out!

The students of Paul Bogle High School recently took part in a lively and engaging discussion exploring how public funds help support children across Jamaica.

Through fun activities, students learned how public funds support schools, healthcare, nutrition programmes and other services that help children thrive. They also discovered that budgets are not just numbers. They are about giving children the opportunity to learn, stay healthy, feel safe and achieve their dreams.

The key takeaway? Young people have a voice. By asking questions, sharing their experiences and understanding how decisions are made, they can help shape a better future for children in Jamaica.

Thank you to the students of Paul Bogle High School and Mrs Kitty for making the conversation both fun and inspiring. Together, we're helping young people understand that every budget decision is really a decision about people, opportunities and Jamaica's future.

23/10/2026

When children and adolescents are given space to express their creativity, powerful stories about mental health emerge.

Swipe through to explore the inspiring entries from various schools from the Adolescent Health Week Mental Health Symposium Art Exhibit, each piece a unique voice and each message a reminder that youth perspectives matter.

The exhibit was one of several activities at the symposium hosted at Dinthill High School, organized by Min of Health & Wellness, Ja in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Pan Am Health Organization, UNICEF Jamaica, National Council on Drug Abuse’ 𝑵𝑪𝑫𝑨, Jamaica Moves and University Of The West Indies, Mona.

Which artwork speaks to you most? 🎨💭

22/10/2026

We were pleased to support the Mental Health Symposium held at Dinthill Technical High School to mark the close of International Adolescent Health Week 2026.

More than 150 students and stakeholders from across St. Catherine came together to explore mental health, stress management, recognizing when someone may need support, and where young people can turn for help. The event also showcased the creativity and talent of students through jingle, art and dance competitions.

Observed under the theme, "Nothing About Us, Without Us: Power, Voice and Health Equity for All Adolescents," the symposium highlighted the importance of meaningfully engaging young people in conversations and decisions that affect their health and wellbeing.

UNICEF was proud to join the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Jamaica, Ministry of Education & Youth, PAHO Caribbean, National Council for Drug Abuse Drugfreeja, and Jamaica Moves 2.0 in supporting this important initiative.