THE EDITOR, Madam: As Jamaica begins a new school year during hurricane season, families face mounting pressures. Hurricanes threaten homes and livelihoods, while drought conditions linked to El Niño and limited water access continue to disrupt daily life. For children, these overlapping challenges can mean missed classes, poor nutrition, and increased risks of neglect and violence. The question is no longer whether Jamaica needs stronger social protection systems, but how quickly they can be financed and expanded to protect children.