Education Minister Priya Manickchand emphasised that money must not be a barrier to education last week, during a school uniform voucher distribution exercise held in Region Five.
Manickchand participated in an outreach exercise in several Region Five communities, joining staff at the Karamat Primary School to distribute them. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, she noted that the school uniform voucher programme is one of government’s most successful. “So what started as just a programme for persons in difficult circumstances is now benefiting every single child in the school system… money must not be seen as a barrier to obtaining an education in Guyana,” she said.
Manickchand noted that the administration will not stand idly and allow children to be deprived of obtaining an education, regardless of ethnicity, geographical location and parents’ financial status.
Against this background, she said that the effectiveness of the programme has not only contributed to a higher school attendance but also created a deeper appreciation for education. Free exercise and text books, teaching materials, hot meals, snacks, school uniform materials and uniform vouchers are also provided, she noted, as the administration continues to find innovative ways to ensure children attend school.
