The Ministry of Education recently presented laptops to tertiary-level students as part of the Education Care Package, to improve the students’ educational experience and help address challenges following Hurricane Beryl.
The Education Care Packages, first presented to students on Sept. 18, 2024, under the theme “Investing in Our Future,” is a post-Hurricane Beryl education sector response to support students from Carriacou and Petite Martinique. A representative number of these students received laptops in person during the ceremony at the Ministry, and the remaining students collected theirs thereafter.
Vincent John of Lauriston, Carriacou, who is pursuing studies in electrical installation at the New Life Organisation (NEWLO), said the laptop will help him to work on his Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) and other projects. “I never personally owned a laptop. This is the first time I’ve owned one,” he shared. “I would like to thank everybody for this programme. It’s really helping a lot of students.”
Shea Tyson, a building technology student at TAMCC, who is from Harvey Vale, Carriacou, said, “From the time of the hurricane to now, the care packages that the government has aided us with have been helping us very well in our day-to-day life.”
Elvis Morain, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Human Resources and Educational Development, emphasised the impact of the Education Care Package Programme, noting that it began with 60 students. “Once that support was given, we noticed the numbers went up, and today we are at 90. We are grateful for that. We also see the value of not having you delayed,” Morain said. “We didn’t want to delay your progression in terms of your studies…so we felt that it was necessary, and I think that the government must be applauded for that effort.”
More than $1.5 million in support through Education Care Packages is being disbursed to students over a 10-month period during the 2024-2025 school year. To date, more than $1.4 million has been paid out. Following Hurricane Beryl, students from Carriacou and Petite Martinique had to relocate to Grenada to begin or continue their education at the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and the New Life Organisation (NEWLO).
Minister for Education, Sen. the Hon. David Andrew, reminded the students that the only payback needed is their success. He said, “I am happy to preside over this handover ceremony as Minister for Education. The investment and the support, and just to hear you saying how appreciative you’ve been of it….makes me know that our efforts and the investment of our people and the government have not gone to waste. Commendations to you.”
The Education Care Packages include financial support for the first month: $2,000 for accommodation, meals, and transportation; $500 for uniforms; and $1,200 for textbooks.
Starting from the second month, the payment continues at $2,000 monthly, as the costs for uniforms and textbooks were already covered in the initial payment.
Among those present at the Education Care Package Laptop Distribution Ceremony were representative from the New Life Organisation (NEWLO), Dale Neptune, and various ministry officials.
