$55,000 “Because We Care” Cash Grant Distribution to Begin May 12, Says Education Minister
Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News.
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Ministry of Education has announced that the annual “Because We Care” cash grant distribution—now valued at $55,000 per student—will officially commence on Monday, May 12, 2025, for schoolchildren across Guyana.
Speaking on the sidelines of an Arrival Day program, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand confirmed that the distribution will begin in Regions 7 and 9, followed by Regions 2 and 5 in the subsequent week, with other regions to follow in phases.
“Students attending both public and private schools are eligible,” the Minister stated. “This is a nationwide effort to support families and ensure students are equipped for the school year.”
The updated $55,000 grant now includes additional support for school uniforms and supplies, and is expected to benefit over 200,000 students countrywide.
Eligibility and Collection Guidelines
Minister Manickchand reminded parents and guardians of the key eligibility requirement:
- The child must have been on the verified school register, as submitted by schools and cross-checked by regional and central education offices.
To uplift the grant, parents/guardians must present valid identification, such as:
- National ID card
- Passport
- Driver’s license
For those without official ID, a community verification system will be in place.
“If you don’t have an ID, someone from the community—like a headteacher—can verify your identity,” Manickchand explained.
If the parent or guardian is unable to personally collect the grant, the Ministry will provide an authorization form template, allowing someone else to uplift it on their behalf.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the Office of the Auditor General will supervise the distribution process in all administrative regions.
Minister Manickchand encouraged families to follow the Ministry’s social media pages for regular updates, schedules, and distribution locations, and assured the public that the process is designed to be seamless and accessible.
