Kingston, Jamaica – Over $500 million in back-to-school help is being disbursed throughout Jamaica as the federal government rolls out a large help package deal for college kids on the Programme of Development By means of Well being and Schooling (PATH).
With the brand new college 12 months quick approaching, 106,590 college students beneath PATH are set to obtain back-to-school grants on prime of their common funds — a much-needed monetary lifeline for 1000’s of households.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Safety confirmed that $535 million has been put aside for this 12 months’s disbursement — a considerable improve over final 12 months’s complete, reflecting the deepening value of schooling and rising monetary pressure on Jamaica’s most weak.
PAYMENTS ROLLING OUT NOW
Payouts formally started August 19 and can proceed till September 2, with additional assortment days scheduled for September 4 and 5 to make sure nobody is left behind.
“That is vital help to assist mother and father put together for back-to-school bills,” mentioned Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director accountable for Social Safety. “Many of those households are among the many poorest within the nation. This enhance is about easing the burden.”
BIGGER GRANTS FOR 2025/26
This 12 months, PATH is delivering more cash throughout the board:
- All PATH schooling grants have elevated by $5,000 to $10,000
- Tertiary bursary (for college college students) jumps 50% – from $100,000 to $150,000
- Renewable annually, however college students should maintain a GPA of two.5 or larger
Different main help consists of:
- $20,000 one-time grant for college kids sitting CSEC topics
- $25,000 for these coming into expertise coaching programmes
- $35,000 for college kids doing CAPE models
- $40,000 for college kids pursuing diplomas or affiliate levels
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The Ministry confirmed that purposes for PATH’s schooling bursaries and grants are actually open.
- Tertiary bursary: August to October
- Put up-secondary grants: Two home windows – August to October, and January to March
“We all know making ready for varsity is worrying,” Deer-Williams mentioned. “We’re stepping in to supply actual, direct help to those that want it most.”
This isn’t simply help — that is funding in Jamaica’s future. From grade college to college, PATH continues to be a vital power in maintaining college students in class, targeted, and funded.
