Children Must Be Central to Recovery and Resilience, Caribbean Conference Urges
KINGSTON December 22, 2025: More than 220 children, researchers, educators and policymakers from across the Caribbean, converged at the 20th Annual Caribbean Child Research Conference (CCRC) in Jamaica as the nation rebuilds after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The milestone event, held recently at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters, delivered a clear call for children to be placed at the centre of recovery, resilience and long-term development across the region.
The conference celebrated outstanding achievements by youth researchers and writers across the Caribbean in three competitions. Jamaican, Jihan Gidwani of the Heinz Simonitisch School placed first in the essay competition, while students from Trinidad and Tobago - Jeremel Job, Bishop's High School and Aameliah Ramiah, Esperanza Presbyterian Primary School - topped the research and poetry competitions, respectively.
Held under the theme ‘Leaving No Child Behind: Bridging Gaps for Marginalized Children in the Caribbean’, the conference focused on issues of equity and child participation made more urgent as communities continue to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28.
Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee, Conference Chair emphasized the importance of the conference’s longstanding mission at a time of significant challenge. “The CCRC remains the region’s leading platform for research, dialogue and advocacy focused on improving the lives of Caribbean children and youth,” she stated. “Our deliberations this year are especially important as we advocate for systems that safeguard children’s rights. We also extend heartfelt solidarity to all affected by Hurricane Melissa, particularly the children whose daily lives and learning were disrupted,” she added.
Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative for Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean noted the conference’s unique tradition of elevating children’s voices and placing them at the heart of the research and policy conversation. “This conference has translated the Convention on the Rights of the Child into lived reality by ensuring children not only learn about their rights but also speak for themselves,” she explained. “Recovery will only be truly successful if children and young people are placed at the centre of planning, decisions and investments,” she emphasized.
Ms Isaza also underscored UNICEF’s continuing support to Government partners in restoring child-focused services - education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as psychosocial care and protection for affected communities.
The research papers presented by the children and adolescents along with essays and poems focused on topics ranging from climate change and education equity to mental health, justice reform and child well-being.
On the second day of the conference, participants were engaged in a hurricane relief outreach activity for Great Faith Basic School in St Ann, providing care packages to teachers and students as well as learning materials and supplies for a Safe Relaxation Corner to support students’ emotional recovery.
Alongside The UWI and UNICEF, partners supporting the conference included the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, the Early Childhood Commission, the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Office of the Children’s Advocate. All reaffirmed their dedication to evidence-driven advocacy and inclusive child rights dialogue.
The 20th anniversary of the Caribbean Child Research Conference concluded with a shared commitment to elevating children’s voices, strengthening systems and building a Caribbean where children’s rights are protected.
Additional awardees included:
Poetry
• 2nd place: Akejah Rey - Saint Kitts & Nevis
• 3rd place: Araiya Bhim - Trinidad and Tobago
Essay
• 2nd place: Marissa Rayson - Jamaica
• 3rd place: Xidan Joyette - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Research Paper
• 2nd place: Anthurium Lewis - Tobago
• 3rd place: Sheraya Sewsahai - Suriname
• 4th place: Adrian Johnson- Jamaica
• 5th place: Johnathan Bedeau - Grenada
• 6th place: Marshallee Graham - Jamaica
Special Awards
• Best Methodology – Adrian Johnson (Jamaica) and Jeremel Job (Tobago)
• Best Written Paper - Jeremel Job (Tobago)
• Best Oral Presentation - Anthurium Lewis (Tobago)
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For information about UNICEF and its work, visit www.unicef.org/jamaica.
