With $50M budgeted, First Lady’s Office to raise additional $35M through fundraising to continue signature projects

The Office of the First Lady has been allocated $50 million in the 2026 national budget and will seek to raise an additional $35 million through fundraising activities to continue its signature social programmes.

Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira outlined the plans on Monday during consideration of the budget estimates in the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly.

Teixeira explained that while the total programme budget amounts to over $70 million, the government subvention covers $50 million, with the remaining shortfall to be addressed through fundraising initiatives, including hosted dinners and other events.

Among the key initiatives to be continued is the Adopt an Orphanage programme, which supports dozens of children’s homes across the country. A total of $5.5 million has been allocated to this programme.

The Women’s Hygiene Programme will also continue in all ten administrative regions, with $12 million earmarked for the distribution of sanitary pads to girls and women.

Additionally, $3 million has been set aside for workshops on sexual and reproductive health, while other resources will be used to provide assistance to Guyanese in vulnerable situations.

A project aimed at supporting persons with disabilities will also continue, with about 100 individuals expected to benefit from counselling and skills training. A sum of $5 million has been earmarked for this initiative.

Meanwhile, the National Beautification Project has been allocated $35 million in the 2026 estimates.