School uniform cash grant distribution kicks off in Linden

The cash grant distribution of students’ uniform vouchers was officially launched in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Tuesday.

Minister Priya Manickchand handing over a voucher to a parent on Tuesday

This came on the heels of Prime Minister Mark Phillips launching a similar project in Kwakwani on Friday last.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand addressing parents and students in Linden

In Linden on Tuesday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand explained that $4,000 grant is being handed over in an effort to provide assistance to parents and students in the form of uniform and school-related supplies.
The Minister assured those present at the launch that the Ministry is working in all the administrative regions to ensure that the educational needs of students are met, despite the challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister added that the school grant is just one form of assistance which would be provided to citizens by the Government.

The Minister reiterated that the distribution of the vouchers is in preparation for reopening of schools, while adding that the Ministry is aware of the struggles faced by parents during the pandemic and assured that the ‘We Care’ cash grant which was started by the PPP/C administration will continue next year with each student in the public school sector receiving $15,000. This, she explained, will continue to grow until it reaches $50,000 within the next 5 years.
“These are ways we hope we can bring a little bit of relief…It will not cater for all your needs…but it’s going to be an assistance…I really hope that we can lighten your pockets…”, the Minister iterated.
Manickchand further stated that her Ministry is expected to provide students with the necessary textbooks as another means of support.
“We know that parents particularly are very worried about their children’s education. We know you are concerned deeply about (your children) being out of school. We know you are worried about what would happen to your children’s future, and the truth is you have every reason to worry. We are also worried because all the research in the world that has been done on the issue suggests very clearly that the longer you stay out of school, the more you are likely to suffer from learning loss…We are aware, too, that while we have this responsibility to make sure we engage your children, we have to do it safely.”
She related that studies have shown that the longer students stay out of school, the more likely they are to drop out.
The Minister said COVID-19 has caused severe disruption to the education system across the world.
“Many of your children have not been engaged. I know particularly we were talking to teachers here in Linden… and I am aware that less than 60 percent of your students have been engaged online. What we look forward to do is to find different ways…that we can engage our children…Teachers use all kinds of methods and means to try to engage our students. We know, though, that that has challenges, because not everybody has internet and some who have internet it’s not strong enough; and not everybody has devices.”
Manickchand told parents that the Ministry has worked tirelessly to ensure students at all levels are engaged academically through the radio, television via the Guyana Learning Channel, worksheets, or virtually. It was noted that worksheets have proven to be most effective in reaching students at all levels across every region.
In addition, she noted that printed worksheets are being distributed as a means to ensure that students are meaningfully engaged.