The first batch of cheques for the free education grant was disbursed to 415 schools across the country today.
Of the 415 schools, 401 are primary schools and 14 are secondary schools.
“A total of $6,997,365.00 was deposited into the respective school bank accounts”, said the Ministry of Education permanent secretary Dr Brii Lal.
The distribution of the payment for grants per child will be as follows:
• Year 1 to Year 8: Term 1 $84, Term 2 $83, Term 3 $83 adding to a total of $250.
• Year 9 and 10: Term 1 $147, Term 2 $147 and Term 3 $146 adding to a total of $440.
• Year 11 and 12: Term 1 $162, Term 2 $162, Term 3 $161 adding to a total of $485.
• Year 13: Term 1 $204, Term 2 $204, Term 3 $202 adding to a total of $610 per child
The grants will be used as follows by the school management:
• Administration and Office operation 12%
• Building and Compound maintenance 20%
• IT, computers and Vocational materials 18%
• Library Books and Text Books 18%
• Physical Education, Arts, Music and Science Equipment 14%
• Stationery 18%
“The heads of the eligible schools still need to submit their audited report for 2013 by 31st May, to ensure they receive their allocations for Terms 2 and 3 on time,” added Dr. Lal.
“By the 10th of January all 898 eligible schools will receive the grants, concluded Dr Lal.
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