The Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury today, 22nd April,2022, jointly agreed to release all first bi- annual 2022 grants to all schools and education authorities.
The first bi-annual school grants had been withheld early this year due to the COVID-19 community transmission through the country and uncertainty on the opening of 2022 academic calendar.
However, at today’s consultation it was agreed by both Permanent Secretaries that schools, in particular require the 2022 grants so that they can be accessed readily and utilized, not only to purchase teaching and learning resources they would need to commence their 2022 academic year, but also to purchase basic consumables and facilities they would require to safeguard and protect teachers and students against COVID-19 when schools open.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Franco Rodie today also revealed that MEHRD is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the COVID-19 Oversight Committee to recommended a date to Cabinet to open the 2022 school year, as soon as an assessment is completed on school preparedness and to meet the precondition targets to support school opening.
Permanent Secretary Franco also confirmed that his staff are currently conducting assessments on school COVID-19 Preparedness commitments and a report is expected to be completed by the end of April.
It was further revealed that based on the information and data obtained from the assessment, the Ministry of Education will recommend a date for opening of all schools.
The two Permanent Secretaries finally request all school authorities to ensure they prioritise the grants towards both on learning needs and basic COVID-19 commitments to prepare for the soon opening of all schools.
-MEHRD Press
