Distribution of $85K ‘Because We Care’ cash grant begins today

…Parag urges parents to follow school schedules

The distribution of the Government of Guyana’s 2026 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant kicks off across the country today, with Education Minister Sonia Parag urging parents and guardians to attend their children’s schools according to the published schedules to ensure a smooth collection process. In a social media message on Sunday, a day ahead of the nationwide rollout, Parag reminded parents that every child enrolled in the public and private school systems is eligible to receive $85,000 this year. The package comprises a $60,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, a $5,000 uniform grant, and a $20,000 transportation grant is being introduced for the first time. The Minister encouraged parents to familiarise themselves with the distribution timetable for their children’s schools and to be present on the assigned day, noting that payments will continue throughout the week. “So, parents, I hope you know the schedule for your child’s school and that you will be present there, whether it’s tomorrow or the other days, which will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and ensure that you show up there,” Parag said.
She said the financial assistance is intended to ease the burden on families as they prepare children for the new academic year in September. “I know that this is going to be of great benefit to you because you want your child or children to be in a position to attend school. In September, this is going to assist them with whatever they need to get back to school, to be properly prepared for school,” the Minister stated. Parag also assured parents that extensive preparations have already been completed to facilitate the nationwide exercise. According to her, she will personally visit several schools during the distribution period, while other Government Ministers will also be on the ground supporting the exercise.
“So, we’re looking forward to seeing you. I, myself, am going to be at several schools, as well as other Ministers. So, we are preparing. We have teams on the ground right now in every region, preparing to ensure that we have a seamless process,” she said. The ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant programme was first introduced in 2014 by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration as a $10,000 grant aimed at helping parents meet back-to-school expenses. The initiative was discontinued following the change in Government in 2015, before being reinstated after the PPP/C returned to office in 2020. Since its reintroduction, the programme has been expanded significantly. Last year, eligible parents received $55,000 per child, comprising a $50,000 ‘Because We Care’ grant and a $5,000 uniform grant. This year’s package represents the largest investment in the programme since its inception, with the introduction of the $20,000 transportation grant increasing the total benefit to $85,000 per child.
The Government has said approximately 206,000 children enrolled in public and private schools across Guyana are expected to benefit from this year’s programme, representing billions of dollars in direct support to households.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to improve access to education by helping families offset expenses associated with uniforms, transportation, books, stationery and other school-related needs ahead of the new school term.