The Education Ministry says the School Supplies and Book Grant Initiative is under review, not withdrawn.
In a statement, the Ministry clarified that the review forms part of the Education Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
This aims to making student support more equitable, data-driven, and aligned with new learning technologies such as AI-supported textbooks.
It added that the review is meant to strengthen the programme’s design and ensure sustainable and transparent delivery, not to cut assistance.
Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath said funding for 20,000 students was secured through the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, after no allocation was made in the annual budget.
He reassured the Ministry’s committment to supporting learners while improving efficiency and accountability in how grants are distributed.
The $1,000 grant is available for primary and secondary students to help with school supplies and eligibility is determined through a means test for families with a gross household salary of $10,000 or less, or those receiving public assistance.
