The Government has urged parents and guardians to ensure the monetary back to school assistance of $200 a child was used wisely on children’s preparation for the new academic year.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro made the call yesterday after the Government announced the resumption of the back to school assistance for the 2024 school year.
He said the financial assistance must be spent on the child’s stationery, footwear, bags and books, etc, to ensure they were well-equipped.
Deputy PM and Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad reminded parents to ensure they submitted all information required to apply for the assistance.
He said each child must apply separately e application form should be filled for each student.
“A circular will be issued to all schools. I call on all school teachers and school managers to effectively assist us in rolling out this initiative,” Mr Prasad said.
“Families whose children receive subsidised transportation assistance, they don’t need to complete the full application form. We have already assessed them and verified to be earning less than $50,000.”
All payments will be done through MPAiSA and MyCash, and those in maritime areas can access payments through postal services by way of a telegraphic money order (TMO).
The application for this initiative officially opens on Monday, November 6, and closes on December 22 (2023).
Payments will begin from January 10.
The 2024 academic year starts on January 29, 2024.
