The Ministry of Education’s $100 billion budget allocation was approved by the Committee of Supply following a thorough review on Friday and is set to address low matriculation rates and lay the foundation for new schools across the country.
The funding will focus on improving student enrolment and educational delivery, while also investing in vital infrastructure to support growth in the education sector.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand defended the allocation on Friday, countering objections from the opposition and highlighting the importance of this investment in reshaping the nation’s educational landscape.
A key part of the budget is a $36.2 billion allocation for the expansion of school infrastructure, which will see the construction of 23 new nursery schools, 16 primary schools, and 26 secondary schools.
New nursery schools will be established in areas such as Baitoon, Kako, La Bagatelle, Mibicuri, and Rockstone, while primary schools will be built in locations including Augsbury, Charity, Red Creek, and 58 Miles. The construction of secondary schools and dormitories will also benefit communities like Aurora, Kwakwani, Matthew’s Ridge, Monkey Mountain, St. Ignatius, and Waramadong.
To tackle the decline in Mathematics results in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, the ministry is directing additional funds towards an ambitious programme aimed at improving proficiency in the subject. Rather than waiting for regional solutions, the Ministry of Education has taken the proactive step of providing every fourth and fifth-form student with scientific calculators, geometry sets, textbooks, and tailored practice materials.
Minister Manickchand stressed that the government’s goal was not simply to boost matriculation rates for political purposes, but to equip children with the skills necessary to realise their full potential. She explained, “Every child deserves to pass mathematics. We are committed to improving this subject and will not stop until we reach a 100 per cent pass rate, even if it takes time.”
In line with this, the government is also investing in a new digital education platform, initiated by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This platform will provide free access to lessons and educational resources for students across the country, overcoming geographical challenges to ensure equitable access to learning.
“We are focused on ensuring the content is of the highest quality and aligns with both local and international curricula,” said the Minister. “It is essential we provide relevant education that prepares students for exams.”
The ultimate aim is for 40% of secondary school students to achieve a Grade 1-3 in at least five CSEC subjects, while a nationwide literacy programme will ensure all students are literate by Grade Four.
In addition to infrastructure and educational programmes, the Ministry of Education is introducing measures to support students and teachers financially. The government will inject $11 billion into the system through the distribution of “Because We Care cash grants of $50,000 and $5,000 uniform vouchers for parents. The increase in the grant ensures that the funding reaches families in a timely manner, especially with the expansion of educational infrastructure.
Teachers will also benefit from the budget, with resource grants being allocated to allow schools to purchase teaching aids, chalk, and other classroom necessities. Coastal schools will receive $4,500 per student, while hinterland schools will receive $5,500 per student, recognising the increased costs in these areas.