Educate a child, prevent gender-based violence.

Standing Strong After Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa left a profound mark on many of the communities we serve damaging homes, livelihoods, schools, and already-fragile food systems. In the immediate aftermath and throughout the ongoing recovery phase, I-SEEED Youths has remained firmly on the frontlines, responding with compassion, coordination, and action.

We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving, UNDP, and our broader donor community for the swift and heartfelt support extended to Jamaica during this difficult time. Your assistance made it possible for us not only to respond to the emergency but to begin rebuilding with dignity and purpose.

Emergency Feeding & Community Care Programme

Since Hurricane Melissa, I-SEEED Youths has implemented an expanded feeding and nutrition support programme, delivering warm, cooked meals and food supplies to vulnerable families, women, children, and the elderly across affected communities.

• Hundreds of meals prepared and distributed safely, often in collaboration with local police, ODPEM, community leaders, and volunteers

• Priority support provided to women-led households and families impacted by displacement and loss of income

• Integration of fresh produce from our own farms, reinforcing food sovereignty even in crisis

This programme continues to be a lifeline as many families remain in the rebuilding phase.

GlobalGiving Grant Impact – USD $10,000 at Work

We are honoured to share that GlobalGiving awarded I-SEEED Youths USD $10,000, which has been strategically disbursed to strengthen recovery, education, and community resilience.

Funds have been used to:

• Purchase additional classroom materials and learning resources for partner schools impacted by the hurricane

• Support feeding programme logistics, including food inputs and preparation supplies

• Strengthen programme delivery infrastructure to ensure continuity during emergencies

Every dollar has been used with care, transparency, and maximum impact, directly benefiting children, families, and educators on the ground.

From Farm to Community: Products with Purpose

Even amid a crisis, our social enterprise model continues to thrive. I-SEEED Youths is currently producing and selling value-added agricultural products, with proceeds reinvested into community development and youth programmes.

Current products include:

• Sweet pepper powders and seasoning blends

• Farm-fresh produce

• Small-batch agro-processed items

These products are:

• Used in community feeding initiatives

• Sold locally to generate sustainable income

• Supporting youth training, women’s livelihoods, and programme sustainability

This model ensures that relief today becomes resilience tomorrow.

Education & School Support – Building Beyond the Storm

Disbursements from the GlobalGiving platform have enabled us to:

• Equip classrooms with much-needed materials

• Strengthen early childhood learning environments

• Support schools as safe, stable spaces for children navigating post-disaster trauma

Our work with Marlin Avenue Basic School and other partner institutions continues to demonstrate how education, nutrition, and psychosocial support intersect to change lives.

Growing Trust & Future Investment

One of the most encouraging outcomes during this period has been the response from the donor community. We are proud to share that several donors have reached out expressing interest in providing funding in 2026, citing the exceptional quality, transparency, and impact of I-SEEED Youths’ work.

This growing confidence affirms:

• The strength of our integrated model (agriculture, youth, gender, climate, education)

• Our accountability and results-driven approach

• The power of locally led solutions with global relevance

Partnerships That Make It Possible

As we continue the rebuilding phase post–Hurricane Melissa, we remain grateful for the solidarity shown by:

• GlobalGiving – for flexible, timely support and unwavering belief in our mission

• UNDP – for technical and institutional support

• Local and international donors, volunteers, and partners who have stood with us

Together, we are not just restoring what was lost; we are building stronger, smarter, and more resilient systems for the future.

Looking Ahead

With every meal served, every classroom equipped, every seed planted, and every young person empowered, I-SEEED Youths moves closer to its vision of a greener, more equitable, and more resilient Jamaica.

Thank you, GlobalGiving and donors, for walking this journey with us. Your continued support allows us to rise after storms, transform hardship into hope, and ensure that no community is left behind.

Together, we are rebuilding lives, rooted in resilience and powered by possibility.