In a groundbreaking move to ease the financial burden on families and improve access to education, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that the government will fully fund Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) fees for up to eight subjects for all students sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

The announcement was made during a public meeting at the West Demerara Secondary School on Wednesday, where President Ali addressed an audience of students, parents, and educators. He emphasized that the initiative would benefit both public and private school students across Guyana.

“Beginning this year, the government will pay in full the cost for at least eight subjects for every single child in public and private schools,” Ali stated. He acknowledged that many parents were already preparing to pay these fees and expressed pride in offering financial relief through this policy.

Previously, the government provided subsidies for CSEC fees based on the financial status of parents or guardians. However, this new measure eliminates income-based restrictions and ensures that all eligible students receive full coverage for up to eight subjects. The cost of these exams can amount to approximately $46,500 per student, making this initiative a significant step toward equitable access to education.

President Ali highlighted that the policy aligns with broader efforts to build a unified and prosperous future for Guyana through investments in education. He noted that similar initiatives—such as free tertiary education at the University of Guyana and programs like the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL)—have already begun transforming the country’s educational landscape.

“This is the future we are creating,” Ali said. “We are not a seasonal presence in your lives; we are investing in people and their future.”

The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students annually, reduce dropout rates, and boost national performance at both CSEC and CAPE levels. Parents and educators have welcomed the announcement as a game-changer for families struggling with exam-related expenses.

As Guyana continues its journey toward educational reform, this policy underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education without financial barriers.