“Pleased to be able to provide meaningful assistance to the students”: How Usain Bolt is helping Jamaican students after Hurricane Melissa as his foundation commits nearly J$10M

For families still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, school costs can add another burden. Usain Bolt is now helping Jamaican students whose families continue to deal with the storm’s impact.On Wednesday, the Usain Bolt Foundation announced nearly J$10 million in education support for more than 100 students entering secondary school. The assistance will cover school fees and other education-related expenses throughout the 2026-27 academic year. Usain Bolt Foundation puts J$9.7M behind students across western JamaicaThe initiative covers students from Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. Eight high schools have partnered with the foundation, with each school receiving J$1 million to support students facing financial difficulties.The schools include St. Elizabeth Technical High School and Maggoty High School in St. Elizabeth; Godfrey Stewart High School and Petersfield High School in Westmoreland; Green Island High School and Merlene Ottey High School in Hanover; and Green Pond High School and Maldon High School in St. James.Guidance counsellors at the participating schools will identify the students with the greatest financial needs. That allows the money to reach families who need help with school expenses while they recover from the hurricane.The Caribbean National Weekly article states that Usain Bolt was “pleased to be able to provide meaningful assistance to the students, particularly given the impact Hurricane Melissa had on their families and communities.”That support also extends to students from Bolt’s former school, making the programme more personal for the Jamaican sprint legend.How Usain Bolt is continuing his connection with Waldensia Primary SchoolUsain Bolt began his own education at Waldensia Primary School in Trelawny, and his foundation has continued to support students from the school.Under the latest initiative, all 17 Waldensia students who successfully completed their Primary Exit Profile examinations will receive J$100,000 each. The grants total J$1.7 million and bring the foundation’s overall commitment under the programme to J$9.7 million.The latest support follows another donation earlier in 2026. The Usain Bolt Foundation gave J$1.7 million to graduates of Waldensia Primary, extending its longstanding relationship with the school.Winsome Wilkins, chairman of the Usain Bolt Foundation, also highlighted the wider purpose behind the initiative. The Caribbean National Weekly report said Wilkins described the foundation’s mission as “creating a legacy of happy children” by enhancing their lives through educational and cultural development and inspiring young people to pursue their dreams.Education and youth development have remained central to the foundation’s charitable work. Now, that support reaches beyond Usain Bolt’s former school and into eight high schools across western Jamaica.For the more than 100 students receiving assistance, the J$9.7 million commitment can help reduce the cost of starting secondary school while their families continue recovering from Hurricane Melissa.For Usain Bolt, the latest move also shows how his foundation continues to turn his success on the track into opportunities for young Jamaicans. With students across five parishes now receiving help, the programme gives children a chance to focus on their next step in education while their families work through the challenges left by the hurricane.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.