Play as Pathway to Healing After Hurricane Melissa

KINGSTON, DECEMBER 18, 2025: In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, communities across Jamaica are rebuilding homes, schools and routines. Amid the physical recovery, UNICEF Jamaica is underscoring another essential part of healing, which is play.

Play is powerful at all times but in the aftermath of a crisis, it becomes even more critical. For children and adults alike, structured and unstructured play provides a safe, familiar space to process emotions, reduce stress and restore a sense of normalcy. Drawing on decades of experience and work in global psychosocial support, UNICEF recognizes play as a vital first step in restoring emotional security and strengthening resilience after emergencies.

Immediately following disasters, UNICEF and national partners use play-based psychosocial first aid to help children to express feelings they may not yet have words for, reconnect with peers and trusted adults, and rebuild confidence. These moments of play, whether through games, storytelling, art or movement, support children in coping with distress while laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery.

Beyond emotional healing, play builds essential and transferable life skills at every age. Through play, children develop physical coordination, social skills, problem-solving abilities and emotional awareness. More time spent playing means more opportunities to imagine, explore choices and actively engage with the world, while building resilience, independence and confidence. These are the very skills children need to respond, grow and thrive in an ever-changing environment. For families navigating disruption and uncertainty, play offers continuity, comfort and opportunities for learning during a challenging period.

UNICEF has long worked alongside the Guidance Unit of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to ensure play is recognised not only as a powerful developmental tool, but as a fundamental right of every child. Following Hurricane Melissa, UNICEF continues activities in the most affected areas, supporting teachers, counsellors and caregivers to use low-cost play and learning approaches. These methods are designed to meet children in classrooms, temporary shelters or community spaces.

In the holiday season, UNICEF is encouraging families to use simple, playful activities to reconnect and support emotional well-being during recovery. Storytelling circles, memory games using household items, nature scavenger hunts and cooperative group games can spark joy, strengthen communication and foster a sense of belonging.

Families can explore UNICEF’s game manual which features playful, age-appropriate activities to keep children learning and engaged throughout the season. Updates and resources are available on our social media platforms@unicefjamaica.

In moments of uncertainty, play offers more than entertainment. It is a simple, flexible approach that anyone can use, at any age, to create connection and hope. As Jamaica continues to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa, play remains a powerful reminder that healing, resilience and possibility are always within reach.