parents embrace ‘Because We Care’ initiative

PARENTS and guardians across Guyana turned out in large numbers at various private and public schools on Monday to collect the $45,000 “Because We Care” Cash Grant and uniform voucher, awarded to every child on the register.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the lives of schoolchildren, was met with widespread gratitude towards President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mona Ali, a mother of two from Low Land, East Coast Demerara, expressed her appreciation for the government’s support.

“Two of my children are in school; my son attends Mae’s Secondary, and my daughter goes to Swami Purnanandaji Primary School. Even though $45,000 may not be much, it’s better than nothing for me. Since the government took office, the cash grant has been increasing every year. Of course, we cannot expect everything to happen overnight, but we should be grateful that we are getting it,” she said.

Mona emphasised that the grant not only helps parents buy uniforms and other school supplies but also provides financial relief.
“Most parents know that it is not always easy to find the money to buy their children’s clothing and other things that they need for school. So, with this cash grant, we can take care of the kids without too much stress,” she added.
Another parent, Soma, highlighted the impact of the initiative on families who bear transportation costs to get their children to school.

“I know that there isn’t any parent who would refuse this cash grant, and for some people, it might not be enough. However, I want to say to those parents, when you have children, we, as parents always have expenses, but I can’t think of any other country where the government gives money every term to every child in school,” she stated. Soma, whose child attends Queen’s College, noted that the grant often goes towards paying for transportation.

Soma also commended the government’s efforts, saying, “We cannot expect Guyana to go from the third world to the first world over three years or overnight. Everything takes time, but we must be able to recognise that change is happening for the better. Whether we realise it or not, President Ali and his government are assisting the future generation through this type of initiative.”

On Monday, the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, along with her team from Georgetown, visited various schools in Port Kaituma, Region One, to distribute the “Because We Care” Cash Grant. Minister Manickchand had previously announced that 205,000 schoolchildren, including those in public and private schools, would receive $45,000 each as the government begins the nationwide distribution of the cash grant and uniform voucher.

Explaining the grant’s structure, the minister noted that the $5,000 uniform allowance combined with the $40,000 cash grant allows parents to access nearly $9 billion in savings. She also emphasised the importance of recipients maintaining good attendance records, returning all textbooks, and being enrolled in either public or private schools.

Minister Manickchand further stated that all teachers are required to provide the names of students on their registers to ensure the regional education department can confirm the information.
This initiative, a significant step towards supporting families and enhancing the educational experience of Guyanese children, reflects the government’s commitment to investing in the future generation.