The Ministry of Education has addressed an ongoing issue impacting some parents regarding the $200 Back-to-School Support payment. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro stated that delays in payment are primarily due to incorrect information submitted on application forms, hindering families’ ability to purchase necessary school supplies.

Radrodro highlighted that parents are facing difficulties because of inaccuracies such as incorrect FEMIS ID numbers, Birth Registration Numbers, mobile numbers, and payment methods (like TMO, MPaisa/MyCash). He also pointed out that breaches of confidentiality through third-party inquiries and late applications from certain schools have exacerbated the situation.

To facilitate the process, the Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that application forms are completed at schools with verification from school heads before the December 13, 2024, deadline. Year 12 students looking to enroll for the 2025 school year are specifically required to submit their Back-to-School Support applications ahead of this deadline for processing.

In previous reports, it was noted that the government has processed over 208,000 applications for this financial assistance, with around 200,000 payments disbursed, reflecting a significant investment of approximately $130 million aimed at easing the educational expenses burden for families with incomes below $50,000.

While the current situation has presented challenges for some, the Ministry is actively working on resolving these issues to ensure all families receive the support they need. With ongoing efforts and collaboration between the Ministry and local schools, there is hope for a smoother process moving forward, enabling families to adequately prepare for their children’s educational journeys. This proactive approach not only emphasizes the government’s commitment to education but also highlights the essential role community collaboration plays in overcoming these challenges.