The Ministry of Education has continued its “Because We Care” cash grant distribution, now specifically targeting students in the first and second years of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
In Region Six, 59 students received the grant at the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School and Berbice High School, amounting to a total of $2,655,000. This distribution benefited CAPE students from New Amsterdam and surrounding areas.
Speaking to the media at Berbice High School, Anna Seepaul expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, noting that the grant will help her purchase books and other necessary supplies for her daughter, who is in sixth form.
Parent, Anna Seepaul
“The ‘Because We Care’ cash grant is a great initiative. I’m really looking forward to receiving the $50,000 next year, as promised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. It’s a big help for parents who struggle to afford school necessities, and they truly appreciate this support,” she said.
At New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School, first-year CAPE student Tyrell Chung was excited to receive his cash grant.
NAMS Student, Tyrell Chung
“For me, this will act as a reimbursement since I’ve already purchased most of my school supplies. I plan to save part of it and treat myself with the rest,” Chung shared.
The “Because We Care” initiative, first launched in 2014 by the PPP/C government, provides cash grants to parents of public school students. After being discontinued by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) in 2015, the program was reinstated and expanded in 2020 when the PPP/C returned to office. The initiative now includes students in private schools, ensuring broader access to this financial support.
