Senior Reporter
geisha.kowlessar@guardian.co.tt
While the T&T Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is welcoming phase one of the Education Ministry’s school supplies and book grant distribution, which begins today, the union’s president says he hopes those most in need will benefit.
Education Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly told Guardian Media via WhatsApp yesterday that the ministry will begin notifying people today that their applications have been successful.
She said this will continue up to July 15. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified, Gadsby-Dolly added. She said all successful applicants will be apprised of relevant information for the next step, which would be payment of the grant directly into the bank accounts provided or by cheque for those without bank account information.
The $1,000 grant, which was offered to households with an income of $10,000 or less, will assist parents with expenses for school items. Contacted yesterday, Martin Lum Kin, TTUTA’s president, said, “TTUTA will welcome any initiative that would assist the students who are in need to have an opportunity to be present at school and also to have the resources that will aid in their education. We are hopeful, though, that the grant will reach those who are really needy.
“I know maybe it is not a great sum, but we are thankful for any assistance given, and hopefully, when the economic situation allows, it can be increased.” Lum Kin noted that this assistance was not new, as it had been implemented by previous governments. Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced in the 2023/2024 budget presentation that this could cost $65 million and help 65,000 families. “In recognition of the cost of school uniforms, supplies, and textbooks, I propose to provide in 2024 for needy students in primary and secondary school using a suitable means test, school supplies and book grant of $1,000 to assist in meeting the cost of attendance at primary and secondary school,” Imbert said.
Imbert had also focused heavily on the cost of school supplies, specifically books, which he said were constantly being upgraded, making it impossible to pass down textbooks from student to student. “These continuous additions and alterations to school booklists make it virtually impossible for generational use of textbooks and create additional yearly expenses for families. “In 2024, therefore, we intend to consult with all stakeholders in the education sector.
Standardised textbooks as far as is practical, and eliminate the practice of unnecessary new textbooks arriving on the curriculum every year,” the finance minister had explained.