Thousands collect $85,000 “Because We Care” cash grant as nationwide distribution begins

…“we matter and they listen” – parents welcome rollout

The nationwide distribution of the Government’s $85,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant package officially commenced on Monday, with thousands of parents across Guyana collecting financial assistance aimed at helping them prepare their children for the upcoming school term. The ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, a Government initiative that provides financial support to schoolchildren across Guyana, has been increased to $60,000, while a new $20,000 transportation support grant has also been introduced. These budgetary measures were announced by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of the 2026 National Budget. Dr Singh said the $60,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant will benefit approximately 206,000 children attending public and private schools, delivering more than $12 billion to households across the country. Combined with the new $20,000 transportation grant and the existing $5,000 uniform allowance, each eligible schoolchild will receive $85,000 this year. Education Minister Sonia Parag on Monday expressed satisfaction with the rollout of the nationwide distribution, noting that the process had been progressing smoothly across the country. “Today [Monday] we officially began the distribution of the Government of Guyana’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant throughout the country. I myself am in Region Five and, for each distribution that I have seen, almost the entire list has been completed for most of the classrooms, which means that parents came very early, even before 9:00h. We were able to see parents coming in with their children to collect the cash grant.”

She said the initiative will assist parents while helping students begin the new school term in a stronger position. From an administrative perspective, she said preparations have been progressing smoothly, with teachers across the country working diligently to facilitate the distribution process. “I was happy to see so many parents turning out at various schools this morning. I know in Georgetown, on the East Coast, East Bank, Region Six, Region Two, Region 10 and the hinterland the distribution is happening right now.

As a matter of fact, Region Eight began as early as yesterday. Across the entire country we’re seeing the distribution taking place. Our officers from the Ministry of Education, the Regional Education Officers and teachers worked very hard to put this entire process together, and it has been going well so far, so I’m really happy about that.” The Education Minister added that she had been visiting schools across the region to monitor the process and thanked Ministry staff, teachers and other officials who worked for months to ensure the distribution was carried out efficiently. Zoning in specifically on Cummings Lodge Secondary School, Parag said the collection rate was encouraging. “When I got here, I was looking at the different stations and checking the list. We already had 536 signatures collected out of 658 students, meaning 536 grants had already been uplifted within the first four hours.”

“…we matter and that they listen”
Meanwhile, parents Tatianna Moore and Collette Francis, both of whom have more than one child, said the cash grant will provide significant relief for families preparing for the new school term. “I find that it benefits a lot and it will help a lot of parents out there so they will have a more comfortable school term. I feel like we matter and that they listen,” Moore stated. “I am very thankful to everyone in the Government who is working every day to make this happen because it will be a great help to me and my children. I can put it towards whatever they need for school, and I am very thankful,” Francis stated. Meanwhile, parents in Essequibo also spoke positively about the initiative, highlighting how beneficial the cash grant would be to their families. One single mother said that, with her son entering his final year of secondary school before sitting his examinations, the grant comes at the perfect time. “I am so happy I got these funds because this will help him in his last two terms. As a single mother, this will be very beneficial,” a single parent stated. As parents and guardians flocked the hallways of several schools, some fathers also collected the grants for their children and shared their appreciation for the Government’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant initiative. Reon Feria said the increase in the cash grant was a welcome move by the Government and expressed appreciation for the initiative. “The cash grant process was very smooth today [Monday]. I came here and collected my son’s report card as well. Thanks to the Government, and cheers to the increase. It is very nice and it will help my child very much. I will be able to take better care of him.” 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 by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition 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 significantly expanded. 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 a $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 is part of the Government’s 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.