The Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive review of its School Supplies and Book Grant initiative, a program designed to support students in government and government-assisted primary and secondary schools. This review is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to modernize education in line with the Education Strategic Plan 2025-2030, a national framework guiding education reform over the next five years. The initiative, which provides essential learning materials to students, will not be discontinued but will be enhanced to ensure equity, efficiency, and alignment with emerging technologies, including AI-supported textbooks and adaptive digital resources. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized that the review reflects a deliberate, evidence-based approach to improving education support systems. He stated, ‘Our responsibility is to ensure that every dollar spent delivers measurable improvement in student learning outcomes.’ The decision to review the program follows a period in which no allocations were made in the annual budget, prompting the ministry to seek funding through the mid-year budget process. In the 2024 cycle, approximately 27,000 applications were received, with 20,000 grants disbursed. The ministry secured funding for 20,000 grants of $1,000 each during the 2025 mid-year budget review. The current review aims to strengthen the program’s design and delivery, ensuring timely and efficient allocations that align with national education priorities. The ministry reiterated its commitment to fiscal prudence, transparency, and accountability in all education spending.
Education Ministry: Book grant review doesn’t mean discontinuation
