The Ministry and Department of Education inform parents of our on-going efforts to provide further support to families with children attending schools in Anguilla.
The measures below are designed to defray the costs associated with textbooks, uniforms and school resources or to provide additional sources of financial assistance to families.
Parents are reminded that:
1. They can access financial assistance via the Department of Social Development to defray the costs of procuring textbooks, uniforms and school resources. This facility is means-tested and is available to families that can demonstrate an immediate need. Application forms are available at the Department of Social Development.
2. The Meal Programme at the Department of Education also provides support to children. Meals are provided during the school day. This Programme is also means-tested.
These further actions are taken in light of our current economic climate:
1. The Department of Education, working in concert with schools, will make exceptions, on a case-by-case basis, to relax provisions of school-based policies that have financial implications on families. For example, school-based fees, requirements to wear a different type of shoe for Physical Education or a specific type or colour of the shoe, the printing of the school logo etc.
Parents are encouraged to do their best to ensure the shoes procured for students are consistent with the requirements of the respective schools.
There will be no exceptions made on the shirt/blouse, pants/skirt required across schools. Uniforms in and of themselves are cost-saving measures. We expect our students to respect the uniforms of the various schools and daily grooming requirements.
2. The Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) will allow students to use the version/edition before the current edition of textbooks (where available). This is only applicable for textbooks whose version was updated on the ALHCS 2020 Book Lists. For example – if the 6th Edition is on the book list, the 5th Edition will also be accepted. Earlier versions will pose a significant challenge for both students and teachers.
3. Where applicable, parents are encouraged to focus on purchasing books needed for Term 1 ONLY.
4. The Ministry and Department are working with PTAs across the island to solicit donations of textbooks from families that might still have them in their possession. These books will be made available to other families at no cost or at a reduced cost. Parents desirous of making donations or reselling should contact the school’s PTA of Principal at their soonest.
The Ministry and Department of Education applaud the following initiatives:
1. The ANGLEC Horizon Scholarship Programme, now closed. It provided financial assistance to students from all public primary schools, ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 6. It covered textbooks, uniforms, supplies etc.
2. Anguilla Social Security Board Scholarship Programme, now closed. Provided financial assistance to students at the primary level. It covered textbooks, uniforms, supplies etc.
3. FLOW Scholarship Programme, application process now closed. This is a new initiative. It will be officially launched on Tuesday 1 st September 2020. It will cover textbooks, uniforms, supplies etc.
4. ANGLEC, working in the Ministry of Education, recently launched the SET for SUCCESS Scholarship Programme targeting students in Forms 1 – 5 at the ALHCS. The Programme creates a fund to which other community partners can contribute. The fund will provide 25 scholarships with a value of USD500.00 during the pilot year. Application is now being accepted. Forms are available at the ANGLEC Satellite Office, located in The Quarter.
Appreciation is also expressed to parents for your patience and support during these challenging times. Please feel free to contact the Department of Education with regard to any issues you may have. We look forward to working with you to ensure that your children have the emotional and learning support they need to cope in these trying times.
Gratitude is expressed to those private sector partners who reached out to the Ministry and Department of Education to provide additional learning and financial resources to support our work. We are forever grateful for your commitment to education and your demonstration of meaningful partnership.
– Press Release
