Government’s school uniform distribution began yesterday in St. Ignatius, Region 9 where Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, along with a team from the Ministry, are currently visiting several communities in that Region to distribute uniform materials. Moco Moco, Nappi and Kumu are among the communities slated to receive their supplies tomorrow.
Raw materials will also be distributed to communities in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 10.
Contracts for the sewing of uniforms will be awarded to residents of the respective villages.
Croal said that over 9000 children will benefit from uniform assistance in Region 9.
This, he said, is part of government’s efforts to ensure that every child, despite geographical location, is afforded the opportunity to an education.                     
Speaking to Toshaos and village council members, Minister Sukhai cited government’s school feeding programme which was extended to hinterland schools, and the annual hinterland scholarship programme which are all complementary programmes aimed at providing equal opportunities to education for all hinterland children.                               
“With an education, the population can drive itself out of poverty,” Minister Sukhai stated.   
She alluded to government’s investment in education over the years which now see indigenous people being involved in decision-making at all levels in Guyana.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during a post-Cabinet briefing Wednesday, said that the Education Ministry has published rules, regulations and guidelines that would govern the uniform distribution exercise for the 2011/2012 school year.
The uniform voucher distribution exercise, which will be conducted from June 22 to July 8, at all schools in other areas, will be followed by a second round from July 11 to 22, if the need arises. (GINA)