By Delicia Janneire
The distribution of the Because We Care Cash Grant is ongoing, providing essential financial support to parents and guardians across Guyana.
As the disbursement progresses, more than 205,000 parents of school-going children will have received over 9.2 billion dollars by the end of this initiative.
Introduced with a welcomed increase of $40,000 and a uniform subsidy of $5,000, parents and guardians have expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing its significant assistance to every Guyanese family.
The grant is extended to children in both private and public schools from nursery through grade 10, with additional support planned later in the year for those entering grades 12 and 13.
Migrant children enrolled in schools are also eligible for the grant.
Claudia Fraser, a migrant from Venezuela, highlighted the importance of this initiative, expressing gratitude for the assistance provided by the government.
Other parents, including Victoria, expressed appreciation for the financial support, emphasizing its benefits for purchasing textbooks and school uniforms.
Similarly, Hope, a single father, expressed how the cash grant will be utilized effectively for his children’s needs for school.
Distribution efforts will continue into the coming week, ensuring that all eligible parents receive their support.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand explained the rationale behind opting for a cash grant instead of vouchers, citing its flexibility and empowerment for parents to choose where and how to use the funds, fostering competitiveness among local stores.
The cash grant, reinstated in 2021, is part of a commitment to increase support to $50,000 per child by 2025, reflecting the government’s dedication to enhancing educational support for families across Guyana.