School uniform vouchers to be ready from July 1

School uniform vouchers will be ready for distribution from July 1, the Ministry of Education announced yesterday.

According to a press release, 165,000 vouchers have been prepared and parents and guardians can begin uplifting same from primary and secondary schools in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and in Georgetown from July 1. Secondary school students who have ID cards can uplift their own vouchers, the release said. Vouchers must be uplifted by July 11 the day school closes for the August holidays.

In the Hinterland—Regions 1, 8 and 9—the programme is administered by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. The release said the assistance takes the form of actually providing fabric that is sewn by various women’s groups in the villages.

The release noted that every child attending a government school is entitled to uniform assistance under the National Uniform Programme. The vouchers provided can be redeemed at accredited stores and a complete list of these vendors will be posted at the regional education offices and at all schools.

The release also advised vendors who have indicated an interest in redeeming vouchers to be ready and to make their prices competitive.

The new school term begins on September 1.