…“we matter and they listen” – parents welcome rollout

The nationwide distribution of the Government’s $85,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant package officially commenced on Monday, with thousands of parents across Guyana collecting financial assistance aimed at helping them prepare their children for the upcoming school term. The ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, a Government initiative that provides financial support to schoolchildren across Guyana, has been increased to $60,000, while a new $20,000 transportation support grant has also been introduced. These budgetary measures were announced by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of the 2026 National Budget. Dr Singh said the $60,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant will benefit approximately 206,000 children attending public and private schools, delivering more than $12 billion to households across the country. Combined with the new $20,000 transportation grant and the existing $5,000 uniform allowance, each eligible schoolchild will receive $85,000 this year. Education Minister Sonia Parag on Monday expressed satisfaction with the rollout of the nationwide distribution, noting that the process had been progressing smoothly across the country. “Today [Monday] we officially began the distribution of the Government of Guyana’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant throughout the country. I myself am in Region Five and, for each distribution that I have seen, almost the entire list has been completed for most of the classrooms, which means that parents came very early, even before 9:00h. We were able to see parents coming in with their children to collect the cash grant.”

She said the initiative will assist parents while helping students begin the new school term in a stronger position. From an administrative perspective, she said preparations have been progressing smoothly, with teachers across the country working diligently to facilitate the distribution process. “I was happy to see so many parents turning out at various schools this morning. I know in Georgetown, on the East Coast, East Bank, Region Six, Region Two, Region 10 and the hinterland the distribution is happening right now.