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To address the negative impact on the education of underprivileged schoolchildren, the government has decided to grant a financial allowance to aid in the purchase of school supplies at the beginning of the 2025 academic year.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, a recent survey revealed that 55 percent of school-aged children have been significantly affected, with the numbers being even higher in rural and plantation areas.
Furthermore, 53.2 percent of the impacted children have either reduced or entirely stopped acquiring school supplies, while 26.1 percent have resorted to reusing previously utilized items.
The findings of the “Household Survey on the Impact of the Economic Crisis – 2023,” carried out by the Department of Census and Statistics, underline the profound effect of the economic downturn on children’s education.
Consequently, arrangements have been made to distribute an allowance of Rs. 6,000 per child to students from Aswesuma beneficiary families.
The Treasury has ensured the release of funds via Aswesuma bank accounts by December 27.
Additionally, provisions are planned for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training in 2025 to expand this allowance through a suitable framework, enabling other qualifying students to receive school supplies valued at Rs. 6,000 per child.
This initiative aims to ease the economic strain on parents regarding their children’s education, ensuring uninterrupted learning opportunities and securing their future.
