Parents across Berbice have welcomed the expanded Government assistance for schoolchildren, saying it will provide timely relief as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The Government of Guyana has increased the ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant from $50,000 to $60,000. When combined with the existing $5,000 uniform grant, each eligible student will now receive $65,000 in direct educational support. A new $20,000 transportation grant brings the total assistance to $85,000 per child enrolled in public or private schools.
Education Minister Sonia Parag said the distribution of the grants will begin on June 29, with thousands of families nationwide expected to benefit.
In Berbice, parents described the measure as timely and practical.
Roopchand Singh, a father of one, said the increase will make a tangible difference as he prepares for the new school term.
“I’m very pleased with the cash grant. I have one child going to school, and I’m very pleased that it has moved from $55,000 to $85,000. The Government saw it fit to add an additional $20,000 for transportation costs. For me, it is a great help to many residents and their children, especially those who are vulnerable,” Singh said.
He urged parents to use the support responsibly, saying it should be directed towards children’s needs and education. “Education is the key to success, and I want to urge parents to make full use of the grant for their children,” he added.
For Sofia France, a mother of eight with three school-aged children, the increase offers practical relief in managing daily household demands.
“It would be a great help to me. For the children to go to school, it would be a great help. I am thankful for it because it has increased. With the cash grant, I would be able to do more things for the children,” she said.
Father of two, Sohan Matadeen, also welcomed the expansion, saying it would ease pressure on families facing rising education-related costs. He also pointed to the Government’s pledge to scale up support.
“This cash grant is going to bring relief to parents. The money will be used towards school supplies, school clothes and other necessities. I feel glad about this transportation grant as well because it is going to help take some of the burden off parents when it comes to getting their children to and from school,” he said.
He added: “It was already in the manifesto that they planned on increasing it over the next five years, and it is good to see that commitment being honoured.”
Across communities in Berbice, the expanded grant package is being viewed not only as financial assistance, but also as an investment in keeping children in school and easing the pressures that often come with a new academic year.
