Ministry of Education Expends Extra Funds on Less Fortunate

Francis Fonseca

Since the COVID pandemic swept through the country, getting students back to the classrooms and up to speed with their education has meant that the Ministry of Education has had to invest far more than it has initially budgeted for. This is as a result of many students whose parents and guardians simply couldn’t handle the expenses that accompany educating a student. So the government stepped in and assisted those students, and today, the Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca said it was imperative for the government to do so.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“Especially coming out of COVID, we recognize that many families were struggling and we did not want students to not be in school, simply because they could not afford to be in school. So we had to make a deliberate decision and a commitment to providing additional resources. So yes, it’s unprecedented, but it’s unprecedented for a reason, because there is a need, particularly, as I said, coming out of COVID, where we had our students out of the classrooms for almost two years. And we wanted to ensure that they got back to school, no excuses. We didn’t want any excuse, and so when parents come to us and say, listen, they’re not in school because we can’t afford it, then we have to step in and make sure that they have an opportunity to access education. So, you know, that’s our duty and responsibility. It’s not anything to be praised about. We have a duty and responsibility to do that, and I’m very happy that we’re able to do it with the support of the entire government.”