[www.inewsguyana.com] – Over 12, 870 parents and guardians yesterday received the Education Ministry’s “Because We Care” grant at several locations in Georgetown as the distribution of the $10,000 support continues across the country. The programme was officially launched on October 11 in Region Seven.
A total of 4,564 parents of primary schools received their vouchers at the National Park, Thomas Lands. The distribution exercise targeted parents and guardians of children attending Stella Maris, St. Margaret’s, North Georgetown Primary, Winfer Gardens Primary, St. Angela’s Primary, St Agnes Primary and the David Rose School for the Handicapped.
About 8,315 people received theirs at several other locations including the Sophia Primary, Graham’s Hall Primary, St. Gabriel’s Primary, St. Ambrose Primary, West Ruimveldt Primary, Dolphin Secondary, St. Pius Primary, F. E. Pollard Primary, Rama Krishna Primary, and Enterprise Primary.
With more than $600 million in vouchers handed over to parents and guardians since its launch, the programme is being executed “incredibly well” according Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.
At the National Park, Minister Manickchand was joined by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy where hundreds of beneficiaries had gathered to uplift the grant.
In an invited comment, the Education Minister said she was pleased with the civility and speed of the entire process, and pointed out that more than $250 million in vouchers have already been encashed by recipients. She noted that the process was “going really, really well, and we are pleased with it”.
Distribution is slated to end on November 21, and should cover the entire country. The $10,000 voucher can be encashed at Western Union outlets with recipients in riverain and hinterland locations receiving cash.
Several parents at the National Park expressed their appreciation for the education grants being offered. Marcia Bradford said that she was thankful to the ministry for giving her the opportunity and that she will be purchasing text books for her daughter.
Approximately 188,400 families of children who attend public schools will benefit from the education grant. [GINA]
