191,500 students to benefit as Ministry starts distribution of uniform assistance vouchers

THE distribution of uniform assistance vouchers will commence today, ending on July 8, and will be extended if necessary. The distribution at the primary and secondary levels will start at 14:30 hrs and conclude at 17:30 hrs on weekdays. At the nursery schools, it will be done between 12:00 hrs and 14:00 hrs.

Assistance to Amerindian/Hinterland communities will be organized and spearheaded by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. Raw materials and ready-made uniforms will be purchased and distributed to these communities, with the support of the regional administrations of Regions 1 (Barima/Waini), 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara / Upper Berbice).

The Ministry of Education is responsible for schools on the coastland. These schools number about 530 and have a total population of around 165,000 students. The student population in the Hinterland is about 26,500.
The raw materials will be processed by locally organised sewing centres for distribution to schools in the catchment areas, and where these are absent, ready-made uniforms will be allocated.
As customary, authorised merchants of the voucher system will be instructed to clear/receive payment for all negotiated vouchers at the Education Ministry, Accounting Unit at 21 Brickdam, Georgetown.