Georgetown: As the Ministry of Education embarks upon the annual Uniform Assistance Programme Hon. Priya Manickchand appeals to parents to be good partners in the education of their children an effort the government will be supporting through various means such as the uniform assistance program. On Wednesday, July 2, the Minister of Education visited the New Diamond Grove Primary School to engage parents as they uplift their vouchers. In her remarks to the large gathering of parents, guardians, and teachers Minister Manickchand urged parents to invest in their children and to be the best parent that they can be, which requires, she added, that they take the time to assist with homework, visit the school, and establish a learning environment at home. The Minister added that the sound economical investment in the Education sector catapulted the country and as a result, there are more trained teachers, adequate supply of textbooks and exercise books for every child and far better access to education with the construction of several new schools. Another significant investment is the Uniform Assistance Programme that was conceptualized to assist parents to purchase school items for their children. Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, started this initiative. 165,000 vouchers will be distributed at public schools in Regions: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and Georgetown. Parents, guardians and secondary schools students with a National Identification Card started uplifting vouchers from July 1. Every child attending a Government school is entitled to uniform assistance under the National Uniform Programme. On the coastland, that assistance is administered by the Ministry of Education and given by way of voucher that is used to make purchases at accredited stores. In the Hinterland the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs administers the program and the assistance takes the form of actually providing fabric that is sewn by various women’s groups in the villages. A complete list of vendors where vouchers are redeemable will be posted at the Regional Education Offices and at every school. Vendors who have indicated an interest in redeeming vouchers are advised to be ready and are encouraged to make their prices competitive. The Ministry of Education wishes to encourage parents and guardians of children in public schools to take advantage of this opportunity, as we would like every child to be sufficiently outfitted for the new school term, which commences on September 1, 2014. Vouchers must be uplifted before the close of school on July 11, 2014. The minister also consulted the parents at this school, which has a population of more than 749 students on what they thought would be the best way to deliver the 10,000 dollar per child cash grant that each child will receive.
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