Sunday Mail
23rd August 2009
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Government has partnered the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in reviving the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam), a programme that assists underprivileged pupils with school fees. Beam had not been operational for over a year owing to financial constraints.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education recently, the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart, confirmed the arrangement between the Government and Unicef but could not disclose the amount set aside for the programme.
Sen Coltart, however, said those in need could start accessing the funds from next term.
“The Beam programme collapsed last year and we are going to revive it through partnership with Unicef. It is our hope that students should be able to access it next term,†said Senator Coltart.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education has confirmed receiving US$3 million for the Cadetship Programme aimed at assisting underprivileged university students with tuition fees.
The ministry is expecting an additional US$3 million to cushion all needy students in State universities and colleges.