In $400M programme…
THE Ministry of Education yesterday commenced distribution of school uniform vouchers to parents, in its continuing thrust to bolster children’s attendance countrywide.
Disbursement for the $400M programme, catering for nursery and primary pupils and secondary students, started in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
Officials said there was a huge turnout of parents who thanked the government for the timely and significant intervention.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh observed the process at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara and St. Margaret’s and St. Winefride’s primary schools in Georgetown and told the recipient parents that it was scheduled to end today but an addition day will be allocated, in the first week of August, for those who were unable to collect their vouchers before then.
He explained that a relative can uplift the vouchers in the absence of a parent but must provide an identification card and the child’s school report.
Mr. Baksh exhorted parents to make the best use of the assistance and announced that the vouchers, which expire in September, are redeemable at designated stores in the regions where the children live.
He said such initiatives are part of a wider government effort to also build schoolchildren’s self-esteem, give them a better opportunity to finish school, receive a sound education and make a meaningful contribution to society.
While visiting the three schools, Baksh briefly interacted with some of the beneficiary students who are taking part in the July/August National Remedial Programme that began on Monday.
He encouraged them to take their studies seriously and strive to be on top of their work when school reopens.
The programme offers supplementary tuition to children who gained less than 50 per cent of the marks at the 2009/2010 annual end of year examination, with a view of raising them to the required level in the areas of literacy and numeracy in the coming academic year.
13,500 children are participating in the one month, short term enrichment stint being facilitated by 800 teachers, who have been trained to impart the knowledge in a fun-filled manner.
It is being delivered to the target group in clusters at selected schools throughout the country, in small classes to ensure they receive a high level of individual attention.
In addition, those attending are provided with snacks daily and their teachers are paid a stipend for their services.