Parents and guardians are set to receive $200 Back-to-School Support payments starting tonight, as announced by Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad. This initiative, initially scheduled for distribution beginning January 15, aims to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year, which begins on January 27, 2025.
According to Prof. Prasad, 208,673 applications were submitted for this assistance, with 200,176 of them already processed and totaling $40.4 million in support. Only 8,313 applications remain on hold awaiting Year 12 examination results.
The financial aid is designed to help cover essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery, making a notable impact on families as they prepare for the return to school. Payments are being processed via MPAiSA or MyCASH, providing a convenient method for disbursement.
This Back-to-School Support program is part of a broader initiative by the Coalition Government, which has consistently supported around 200,000 students annually, investing approximately $130 million each year. The extended application timeline allowed more families, particularly those with a household income of less than $50,000, to benefit from this financial assistance.
In preceding years, over 200,000 students have successfully received support, demonstrating the government’s dedication to easing the financial burden on families and fostering educational readiness. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to providing practical help for families, ultimately contributing to a more accessible and equitable education system.
The timely rollout of this support presents a hopeful sign for many families as they gear up for the new academic term. Overall, the $200 assistance not only alleviates immediate financial pressures but also reinforces the value of education in the community, promoting better preparedness for students.
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