$706M grant benefits over 12,000 learners

THE Essequibo Coast came alive on Monday with smiles, embraces, and heartfelt tears as thousands of parents gathered at schools and community centres to receive the 2025 “Because We Care” Cash Grant. A signature initiative of the Government of Guyana, the grant is bringing tangible relief to families while reaffirming the country’s commitment to education and equity.

This year, 12,844 students across Region Two are registered to benefit from the initiative, with a staggering $706,420,000 earmarked for distribution throughout the region. The process, which commenced this week, will continue in phases over the coming days.

In Riverstown, mothers and fathers from surrounding communities—Aurora, Suddie, Hibernia, and beyond—formed neat lines, ID cards and children’s documents in hand, waiting for their turn with a shared sense of hope. The atmosphere was a blend of gratitude, community spirit, and emotional release.

Among those receiving support was Savitri Ramdhan, a single mother of three who couldn’t hold back her tears as she spoke of what the grant means to her.
“This grant is a blessing. Every year, it helps me buy uniforms, lunch kits, and books for my children. Without it, I would struggle to get them ready for school. I’m so grateful,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Her sentiments were echoed by many others, especially in light of rising costs for school supplies and transportation. For them, the grant goes beyond monetary value—it’s a lifeline.
Mohamed Khan, a father of two from Hibernia, added:

“I feel like the government really sees us—the parents who are trying our best. This helps us send our kids to school with dignity.”
At Suddie Primary School, Roslyn Simon, a mother of three, described the grant as “timely and thoughtful,” noting that back-to-school preparations would have been far more difficult without it.

EMPOWERING FAMILIES, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
At the heart of the initiative is the belief that investing in families is investing in the future. Regional Education Officer, Ms. Shondelle Hercules emphasised this during her remarks at one of the distribution points.
“The ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant provides direct financial support to families, helping to alleviate the costs associated with educating our children. This grant is not just a financial resource—it is a symbol of our collective commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive academically,” she said.

The programme, led by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, continues to grow in both scale and significance since its reintroduction. It is widely seen as a pillar of the government’s mission to ensure that no child is left behind—especially in rural, hinterland, and riverain communities.

RIPPLE EFFECT
Across Region Two, the impact of the cash grant is not only seen in parents’ pockets, but also in their posture. The programme is empowering guardians to face the new school term with confidence, knowing their children are better prepared.

As the grant distribution continues, each envelope handed over brings more than money. It carries relief, respect, and recognition for the hard work parents put in every day. For many, it reaffirms that they are not alone in their journey—that the nation is walking beside them, step by step.

In the words of one mother from Aurora, “This isn’t just cash. It’s care, in its purest form.”
And in Region Two this week, that care is felt deeply with 12,844 students benefitting.