“Because We Care”: A model for social responsibility

In an era often defined by global challenges and complex socio-economic issues, initiatives that prioritise social welfare and community development stand out as beacons of hope and practical action. The government’s “Because We Care” initiative exemplifies such an endeavor, marking a significant step towards addressing the needs of Guyana’s society with compassion and effectiveness.
The Government has always said that against the backdrop of Guyana’s evolving social landscape it had launched the “Because We Care” initiative in 2014 to underscore the government’s commitment to uplifting its citizens through targeted interventions.
At its core, the initiative aims to provide direct financial support to families and individuals thereby mitigating the impact of poverty in some instances and enhancing social equity.
Central to the success of “Because We Care” is its emphasis on inclusivity. Initially set out to assist parents who have children in public schools, the program has now been expanded to include those in private schools. By distributing cash transfers directly to beneficiaries, the initiative ensures that aid reaches those who need it most without bureaucratic hurdles or delays. This year’s distribution, which began on Monday, has been lauded already by parents as the direct approach not only enhances the efficiency of resource allocation but also fosters trust and accountability —a crucial foundation for sustainable social development.
The comments by parents, especially vulnerable families, about the ways in which this grant will assist them to help in the education of their children, speaks to the human nature and success of the initiative.
Moreover, “Because We Care” represents a strategic investment in human capital. By supporting families with children in school, despite their economical background, the initiative creates pathways for long-term socio-economic stability.
Critically, the success of “Because We Care” hinges on continuous evaluation and adaptation. As societal needs evolve, so too must the initiative’s response mechanisms. Regular assessments of impact and effectiveness enable policymakers to refine strategies, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that the initiative remains responsive to the evolving landscape of Guyana.
Beyond its immediate benefits, “Because We Care” serves as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. By prioritising social welfare, educational needs and harnessing the power of targeted interventions, Guyana sets a precedent for effective governance and compassionate leadership. The initiative not only demonstrates the government’s proactive stance but also highlights the transformative potential of strategic investments in educational and social development.
As we applaud the “Because We Care” initiative, we also recognize the collective responsibility to support and amplify such efforts.
It was Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who on Monday remind that the The Because We Care cash grant of $40,000 this year has been substantially increased from $15,000 in 2021 when its disbursement resumed. Together with the uniform allowance of $5,000, this year’s grant to each child will amount to $45,000 and noted that following the disbursement of the grants this year, Government will have disbursed $9.2 billion for this year alone, while for the period 2021-2024, a total of $26.9 billion in the cash grants would have been disbursed to school children under the programme.
We congratulate Education Minister Priya Manickchand when she said on Monday: “Once we have resources, we make sure we invest it back into you. Once we have resources, you feel that in your pockets and your children feel it in their book bags. And even when we had little, we would always find a way to make sure we improve what you have, because that is what this government does.”
Guyana’s “Because We Care” initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of social welfare policies. By prioritizing the well-being of citizens, Guyana not only charts a course towards sustainable development but also inspires solidarity in the pursuit of a more just and equitable future for our children.