“Because We Care”: Over $470M to be distributed in Reg 7 as cash grant distribution begins

…“this means so much” – migrant mother with Guyanese children
Over $470 million will be distributed to parents of school aged children in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) following this year’s launch of the “Because we Care” cash grant, one of the Governments flagship initiatives.
On Monday, the Government through the Education Ministry commenced the distribution cash grants in Regions Seven and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
A total of $11 billion has been allocated in the 2025 Budget for the distribution of the grant to 205,000 children in public and private schools nationwide. This year, the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant has been increased to $50,000, coupled with the $5,000 uniform allowance, giving parents a total of $55,000 per child.
Speaking at the launch of the distribution exercise, which officially kicked off at the Little Achievers Nursery School in Region Seven, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said that at that the particular nursery school alone a total of $6.6 million will be distributed to parents, moreover for the entire region the government has allocated a whooping $447 million to support the initiative.
“So that’s almost $448 million to the parents of Region 7 that’s what happened during the course of this year,” Manickchand said.
During her remarks, the minister addressed concerns about whether the cash grant must be used solely for school-related expenses. She explained that while the government cannot dictate how parents use the money, she emphasized the importance of spending it wisely.
“They want to come and tell you that you don’t know how to spend this money. I know people who have taken this and bought their children’s clothes and still have savings. To invest in something else in their homes,” the minister said, adding, “I know people who have taken this and said we don’t need clothes. But we need an inside toilet. And my children will benefit from that. I know people who have taken this money and said I’m buying a small generator. Or I’m buying a water pump or I’m buying a boat engine. I know people who have taken this money and banked it because we know how to budget.”
Moreover, as the government works towards achieving universal secondary education, Manickchand spoke of the number of secondary schools are under construction in the region.
“Right now, in Region Seven, we’re building four secondary schools, one at Phillipai, one at Jawalla, one at Issano, and one at Parral and our hope is that every single child in Region Seven is going to be able to go to a discreet secondary school where you can begin and finish your secondary education.”
Meanwhile, parents also expressed their appreciation for the cash grant, Reahna Anderson of Bartica, a pregnant mother of four said “I feel very grateful for this money [the cash grant] knowing that I have four children and one on the way its a lot and its going to benefit me and my kids.”
Delia Perez, a mother of three also expressed her appreciation for the cash grant she said, “I come from Venezuela and I have been living in Guyana for seven years I have three children that are Guyanese one is currently going to school and the other one will begin next year and I’m very happy to receive help with the children.”
The distribution exercise also got underway in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). on Monday. The other regions will be targeted in the coming weeks.