Government is spending $15M towards the hinterland component of the Uniform Programme this year and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is targeting approximately 7,000 students with a focus on Regions Seven and Eight, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release.

It noted too that children from Regions Three, Four, Five and Six will also benefit from this project.

The uniforms will be given to 30 schools in Region Seven including Chinoweing, Kambaru, Wax Creek, Quebanang and Isseneru and 14 in Region Eight including Paramakatoi, Tuseneng, Taruka and Itabac which are expected to be given 5,490 uniforms, the release stated.

Schools in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six inclusive of Moraikobai, Siparuta, Orealla, St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Laluni will also benefit.

Some of the uniforms have already been purchased while others will be sewn by groups within the targeted regions so as to generate income for those involved, the release said.
Government’s Hinterland Uniform Programme was initiated in 2004.

In 2002, the Ministry of Education presented to Cabinet a paper seeking provision for school feeding and uniform assistance. This was approved and the first allocation of $31M was made. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is granted part of the annual allocation to provide for the children of hinterland communities while the other aspect is piloted by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Since that time, the release added, over $370M has been spent on the programme which has benefited thousands of children annually.