The government has announced plans to introduce a student transportation grant in the next school term, aiming to ease the financial burden on parents and improve access to education for children across Guyana.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement during his weekly press briefing, emphasizing that the initiative is part of the administration’s broader commitment to supporting families and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their economic background. The grant, which could be issued annually, is designed to help offset the cost of getting students to and from school.

Jagdeo highlighted that this new transportation grant will complement existing support measures such as the “Because We Care” cash grant, the school uniform allowance, and the expanded national school feeding programme. He noted that government investment in education has soared from $53 billion to $185 billion over the past five years, resulting in significant improvements in student performance and infrastructure.

While specific details on the transportation grant will be outlined in the upcoming party manifesto, Jagdeo indicated that the initiative may also be supported by state-run buses in certain communities, particularly in outlying areas where transportation challenges are greatest. In these areas, the government plans to purchase buses for community use, further reducing barriers to education.

This announcement follows recent achievements in the education sector, including free university and tertiary education, government payment of exam fees for CSEC and CAPE, and the hiring of thousands of new teachers. The Vice President reiterated that the government’s investments are already bearing fruit, as seen in the record 63% pass rate at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment.

The transportation grant is expected to be a key feature of the government’s education agenda if re-elected in the upcoming September 1 elections, reinforcing its pledge to make quality education accessible and affordable for every Guyanese child.