More than $1B distributed to over 12,800 Region Two students

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Friday that more than $1 billion has been distributed to children across Region Two under the government’s ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant initiative, describing the programme as a direct investment in families and the country’s future.

Addressing residents during a community engagement at Wakapoa Secondary School, the president said the initiative is already making a meaningful impact on households throughout the region.

“Today alone in Region Two, as I speak to you, the government has already distributed more than $1 billion in cash grants to children,” President Ali said.

He noted that families in the Pomeroon have received more than $235 million, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches every community.

“Your children are benefiting, your family is benefiting, your community is benefiting, you are benefiting,” the head of state stated.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr Ritesh Tularam said the grant is benefiting 12,801 registered students from 91 schools across Region Two, injecting approximately $1.088 billion into the regional economy ahead of the new school term.

So, in Region Two alone, we are having over a billion dollars in circulation, going to the pockets of parents and guardians and ultimately helping students prepare for September 2026,” Dr Tularam explained.

He added that by the conclusion of Friday’s distribution exercise, the Ministry of Education expected to reach all eligible beneficiaries, with the vast majority of parents already collecting their grants.

Dr Tularam also urged parents and guardians to use the funds to purchase school supplies and other necessities for their children.

“We want to encourage parents to ensure that the grant is spent on their child or children so that they are well prepared for school. The government of Guyana wants to ensure that every child has the opportunity to realise their fullest potential,” he said.

The ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant forms part of the Government’s wider investment in education, providing financial support to families while ensuring students are equipped for the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.

The grant is $60,000 per student. It comes with a $5,000 uniform allowance. It also includes a $20,000 transportation grant. The total support is $85,000 per eligible child. (Department of Public Information)