The Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System (PSS) has begun a nationwide initiative to assess the climate and environmental resilience of public schools, with an initial focus on schools in the neighboring islands. This initiative is one of the strategies to address climate change identified in the National Adaptation Plan.
The assessments are being conducted under the leadership of Associate Commissioner for Climate Change and Education John Zedkaia and Associate Commissioner for Property and Maintenance Cassiano Jetnil, with supervision from Deputy Commissioner of Student Wellness Junior Paul and the overall leadership of Commissioner of Education Dr. Natalie Nimmer.
“Our schools are among the nation’s most important public assets, and many are located only a short distance from the water,” said Dr. Nimmer. “By gathering accurate information about each school’s risks and infrastructure needs, PSS can move from responding to emergencies toward planning carefully and investing strategically in long-term resilience.”
The first round of assessments examined 13 public schools across the neighboring islands. The assessment teams reviewed each school’s location and exposure to climate hazards, building condition, drainage, water and sanitation facilities, rainwater catchments, utility services, surrounding vegetation, maintenance requirements, and overall ability to withstand climate-related impacts while providing a safe learning environment.
“We remain committed to ensure all schools are safe and operational for students to learn and grow. The schools are vital components of our students’ future,” said Jetnil.
The assessment tool was developed with technical expertise provided through the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI) project, which is sponsored and implemented by the Global Partnership for Education, Save the Children, and UNESCO. This support has enabled PSS to introduce a more consistent and evidence-based approach to identifying climate risks and planning improvements across the school system.
The initial assessments confirmed that most school buildings remain functional and are generally constructed with durable brick and deep foundations. However, the schools face significant long-term exposure because of their low elevation and proximity to the coastline.
Ten of the assessed schools are located only one to two meters above sea level, while most are within approximately 50 feet of the water. Storm surges, inadequate drainage, deteriorating rainwater catchment systems, limited utility services, and insufficient tree cover were among the recurring concerns identified.
The assessments also found that most schools require routine repairs, preventive maintenance, or targeted resilience improvements rather than complete reconstruction.
However, Majkin Elementary School on Namo Atoll was identified as a high-priority site requiring immediate attention because of its aging structure, shallow foundation, mixed wood-and-brick construction, lack of flood-proofing, and exposure to storm surge.
The assessments will continue across additional public schools, creating a system-wide picture of climate vulnerability and resilience needs. Findings will be used to guide maintenance planning, infrastructure development, emergency preparedness, and future investment decisions.
“These assessments are not just about infrastructure — they are about protecting the wellbeing of our students and ensuring every child learns in a safe, civil, and resilient environment,” said Junior Paul. “Pillar B of the Education Sector Plan commits us to strengthening school safety and climate preparedness. By identifying risks and investing in resilience, we are honoring that commitment and building schools where students can thrive despite the challenges of climate change.”
PSS expressed its appreciation to Secretary of Health Francyne Wase-Jacklick and the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the World Bank-funded Early Childhood Development project for allowing PSS to join their ship charter to the Neighbor Islands.