MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai has announced that the distribution of school uniforms in the hinterland regions will commence in the coming week.
The sum of approximately $63M has been allocated for the purpose, to benefit each student in the Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
According to the minister, the project will benefit 30,000 children attending 280 schools and the clothing would be disbursed in time for the new school term.
The initiative is under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the assurance has been given to provide each school child with a uniform, in an effort to ensure that all, especially in the hinterland, attend school.
Meanwhile, similar provision for less fortunate students on the coastland is continuing. They must meet the criteria that their parents cannot afford to provide them and, because of that deficiency, they may not be able to attend school.
Government continues to invest billions of dollars to extend secondary education to under-served areas, by reconstructing and establishing schools in hinterland settlements and, through the expansion of several programmes, hinterland teachers have also been trained to deliver quality education. (Nathalene DeFreitas)