The Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, has assured families that the government is actively working to ensure the timely distribution of Back-to-School financial assistance as applications are still being processed. He addressed rising concerns regarding delays occurring in the second week of the school year, encouraging parents to remain patient as all applications will be verified.
Emphasizing the need for efficiency, Immanuel highlighted the government’s initiative to transition from a paper-based application system to an electronic one. He noted that this shift aims to mitigate delays and facilitate smoother processing. Accurate completion of application forms is crucial, as discrepancies can lead to disputes after financial assistance has been disbursed.
Immanuel remarked, “Yes, we have probably tried to move away from paper to electronic forms of application. That is much easier. It also helps schools to be prepared when the assistance is released.” He acknowledged that the timing of assistance distribution has been an issue, particularly this year when it coincided with school breaks. As a result, the government plans to review and improve the timing of financial support for future programs.
Currently, approximately 9,000 applications remain pending, and Immanuel believes that insights gained from this year’s experience will help refine and enhance future assistance schemes, ensuring they are better aligned with the school calendar. The government continues to urge parents and guardians to verify their application details effectively, while reaffirming their commitment to providing support until all eligible families benefit from the Back-to-School assistance program.
This proactive approach showcases the government’s dedication to educational support and improving the processes involved, aiming to equip students and families with the necessary resources for a successful school year.