With the start of the new school year approaching, the Schools Welfare Department in Region 3 yesterday presented 20 students with book bags and school supplies.
A release from the Ministry of Education said that this initiative came about following truancy campaigns conducted in the Region where it was found that student attendance was affected by a number of issues including financial ones.
According to Devendra Persaud – Education Officer, the Department was able to undertake this initiative with the support of Republic Bank, Triple ‘A’ Supermarket, June Charles and Family, and Andrew Singh.
He said that the distribution is just the first phase as the Education Department is anticipating the arrival of an additional 1000 bags before school reopens.
In this regard, he urged the parents to ensure their children attend school regularly and punctually so that they can benefit from a quality education.
Persaud emphasised that the presentation is a part of the Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring that school-aged children in the region receive the basic school needs hence the existence of the school feeding programme and provision of text and exercise books and transportation.
Azharuddin Zahaur – Senior Schools Welfare Officer in his remarks told parents the laws of Guyana state that every school-aged child must attend school. He said that it is the School’s Welfare Department to ensure the laws are adhered to. Failure to do this can result in the parents being taken before the Court, he noted.
