The Tribune

THE government has increased school uniform assistance by $50 per child as families prepare for the new academic year, with eligible applicants now able to receive up to $230 through the programme.

Social Services Minister Barbara Cartwright announced yesterday that the increase will take effect on Monday and apply across all three levels of the School Uniform Assistance Programme.

Pre-school assistance will rise from $120 to $170, while support for primary and junior school students will increase from $150 to $200.

High school assistance will climb from $180 to $230.

“Every Bahamian child deserves to begin the school year with dignity and confidence,” Mrs Cartwright said in a statement. “This increase reflects our government’s commitment to standing with families during one of the most financially demanding periods of the year. We urge all eligible families to apply early.”

The application period is open for three weeks, with applications accepted once during each academic year.

The programme is available to government school families without sufficient income to purchase uniforms and footwear for school-aged children, as well as private school families whose children attend on scholarships.

Families in either category may also qualify if their circumstances have been affected by hurricanes, flooding, fire or other qualifying disasters.

Approved applicants will receive assistance through gift cards issued using the ministry’s Digital Wallet platform.

The gift cards can be redeemed at uniform and footwear retailers authorised by the Department of Social Services.

Applications can be submitted online at www.promis.gov.bs or in person at any Department of Social Services office throughout The Bahamas.

The ministry urged eligible families to apply within the designated period to ensure their children are equipped for the new school year.