APPROXIMATELY $33 million in ‘Because We Care’ cash grants have been handed over for distribution at five schools within the Georgetown district by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.
The minister first visited the St. Margaret’s Primary School before leading the disbursal at Winfer Gardens Primary School. In addition to pupils at the two schools, learners from Starters Nursery, East Street Nursery and St. Barnabas Special School, also received grants at the locations.
In her address to parents and guardians, Minister Rodrigues stated that education was imperative in eradicating social ills in the country and in the transformation to a developed nation.
“We often say that ‘education is the key to success but we never really stop to think about it. Education is a passport out of poverty and if we want to move from being a third world country then we have to make the necessary investments,” Minister Rodrigues remarked.

She further noted that while the programme may seem like a small initiative, each $19,000 in a parent’s hand can go a long way in ensuring that vulnerable students remain in school and illiteracy is ‘stamped out’. In recognition of the power of education, the minister said the government has showed its dedication by not only reinstating the cash grant for learners but also prioritising the sector’s development through one of the largest budgets for 2021.
“Our only objective in government is to make sure that the people are taken care of,” the minister said.
Over 1,700 learners at the five schools are expected to benefit. Through the ‘Because We Care’ initiative, each child will receive a grant of $15,000, added to a uniform grant of $4,000, totalling $19,000. Parents and guardians were urged by the minister to utilise the grant wisely and purchase the critical supplies that their children need.
While at the schools, the minister also took the time to address the concerns of a number of parents and guardians, who spoke to her on the sidelines of the exercise.
Several other Cabinet members and government officials are also spread across coastal and hinterland regions to bring the programme to the people.