The Ministry of Education, is this year again supporting students with the 300 dollar subsidy to assist them to be able to pay for some of their expenses in the first and second year of secondary education. The program is called ‘Stepping Up,’ and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, over the past week has been visiting the various districts to distribute the school subsidies.
According to officials at the Ministry, this year 6,055 students will be receiving the subsidy while 3,325 second form students will also be receiving the subsidy. This year, a total of 7,015 students sat the PSE exam which means that 960 or about 16% of students who sat the PSE will not automatically receive the subsidy.
As it currently stands the subsidy is automatic in the Corozal, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. It is also automatic for all students in the rural areas of Orange Walk, Belize and Cayo districts. Students in the urban areas are also given the opportunity to apply for the subsidy and it will be granted if they meet the eligibility requirements.
According to Hon. Faber, the program is designed to support students to get into high school. He noted that the ministry is currently working to have the program extended to the 3rd and 4th year of high school within the next couple of years.
