Budget 2025: $5.5B for school feeding programme as $175B allocated for education sector
A whopping $175 billion has been allocated for the education sector in the 2025 Budget, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has revealed.
“When we came into office, we found an infrastructure that had been neglected, with no significant expansion of schools, equipment, or training,” Dr. Singh remarked. “The education sector was left in disarray, especially during COVID-19, with children and teachers at home and absolutely no preparations made to deliver content,” Dr. Singh stated.
The Minister highlighted the strides made to upgrade school infrastructure, noting that over 13 nursery schools have been completed, seven reconstructed, and construction is ongoing at 25 more. Similarly, 15 primary schools have been completed, and over 20 secondary schools are under construction.
He noted that these efforts have already created 8,000 additional places for students, with plans to add 20,000 more in 2025.“In 2025, a sum of $36.2 billion is allocated to continue works on school buildings,” Dr. Singh said, adding that these expansions are vital for meeting the growing demand for quality education across the country.
Furthermore, $5.5 billion was allocated to expand the national school feeding programme. Dr. Singh highlighted its impact on improving attendance and performance, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“We are ramping up the national school feeding programme to ensure that more children benefit from nutritious meals, supporting their learning and overall well-being,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting parents through the “Because We Care” cash grant, which was reinstated after being discontinued by the previous administration.
“Since its reintroduction in 2021, the grant has provided $27 billion directly into the hands of parents. It has increased from $15,000 per child to $40,000 over the last four years, and this year, 203,000 children will benefit,” Dr. Singh announced.
Recognising the importance of access to learning materials, the government has allocated $2 billion in 2025 for textbooks, workbooks, and reading materials.
“Since returning to office, we have procured over $8 billion worth of textbooks, ensuring that every child in primary and secondary schools has access to core learning materials,” Dr. Singh said.
The government has also prioritised teacher training, aiming to ensure that every teacher in the public education system is either trained or in training. “When we returned to office, only 32% of teachers were trained. Today, that number has risen to 86%, and we are on track to reach 100%,” Dr. Singh said.
As for free education, the University of Guyana is set to be tuition-free starting in January 2025, benefiting over 11,000 current and new students.
“This move reflects our commitment to making tertiary education accessible to all,” Dr. Singh declared. An allocation of $13.1 billion has been made for the University of Guyana’s operations in 2025.
Additionally, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has awarded nearly 30,000 scholarships. Additionally, $2.6 billion has been set aside to support technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, which aim to equip individuals with practical skills for the workforce.
Dr. Singh also highlighted efforts to expand internet connectivity and implement the Education Management Information System (EMIS) to enhance the delivery of education services.
