Back-to-School Financial Aid Goes Digital to Reach Every Family

Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel has announced that the government is focusing on ensuring that Back-to-School financial assistance effectively reaches families, as applications are currently being processed. He provided reassurance to parents that the application process will remain open until all submissions are verified, addressing concerns over delays that have surfaced in the second week of the school year.

In his remarks, Immanuel advocated for a shift from the traditional paper application system to a more efficient electronic application process. This transition is expected to minimize issues in the future and streamline assistance for families. He highlighted the role of teachers and the Ministry of Education in ensuring that application forms are filled out accurately to avoid disputes after payments are made.

“We have probably tried to move away from paper to electronic forms of application. That is much easier. It also helps schools to be prepared when the assistance is released,” Immanuel stated, reflecting on the recent timing of the assistance which coincided closely with the school break this year. He emphasized the necessity of reviewing the timing of financial assistance in future years to better align with school openings.

Currently, around 9,000 applications are still pending, but Immanuel expressed optimism that the lessons learned from this year’s experience will contribute to improvements in future assistance programs, particularly regarding the timing of support. The government is actively encouraging parents and guardians to double-check their application details while assuring that the Back-to-School assistance program will continue until every eligible family receives the help they need.

This commitment signals the government’s dedication to supporting families during the crucial back-to-school period, ensuring that financial assistance is accessible and efficient moving forward. Such efforts are commendable as they prioritize the continuity of education and reduce financial barriers for families.