The Ministry of Education recently announced that some parents have not yet received the $200 Back-to-School Support payment due to inaccuracies in their submitted information. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted that issues such as incorrect FEMIS ID numbers, Birth Registration Numbers, and mobile numbers have caused delays, affecting families’ ability to purchase essential school supplies.

Radrodro emphasized the need for parents and guardians to ensure that application forms are correctly filled out at their respective schools, with verification from the Head of School before the December 13, 2024 deadline. Additionally, he noted that breaches of confidentiality through third-party inquiries and late submissions from certain schools have further complicated the process.

For students set to enroll in Year 12 in 2024, it is critical to submit their Back-to-School Support applications for 2025 before the deadline to facilitate any financial assistance.

In previous articles, it was reported that the government has processed over 208,000 applications, with around 200,000 payments already disbursed, reflecting a significant commitment to educating families with household incomes below $50,000. This financial aid program, amounting to approximately $130 million annually, aims to ease the financial burden associated with school-related expenses.

While some parents express frustration over delays, the Ministry’s efforts to address these issues and ensure effective fund distribution indicate positive steps toward educational accessibility. The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and local schools remains crucial in facilitating a smoother transition for families as they prepare to support their children’s educational journeys.

In summary, while challenges persist, the government’s dedication to resolving these issues and supporting families as they prepare for the new school year is a hopeful outlook for many.