Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation oversees education funding from pre-primary to tertiary levels. It manages the allocation of resources and provides administrative and financial support to all public education institutions. The 2023 budget highlights government financing for teacher training, school repair, and construction projects.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No information was found on funding mechanisms that allocate resources to subnational governments with a focus on equity.
2. Education resources to schools
The 2006 Education Act states that public schools are funded through various sources. Primary schools receive grants from the Ministry, while secondary schools are funded by money allocated by Parliament. Schools can also access funds or property managed by their boards, raise money through fundraising activities, and receive donations, gifts, or other contributions.
No information was found about any mechanism for allocating resources specifically to disadvantaged schools or those serving target groups.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found about education initiatives that provide resources directly to disadvantaged students or households.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Family Services Division, part of the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs and Persons with Disabilities, focuses on promoting equity within families, protecting the rights of children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, and supporting the socio-economic development of all family members. However, there is no programme within this division that provides direct educational support or transfers resources specifically to disadvantaged students or households.
5. School meal programmes
The School Feeding Programme began in 1984 with support from the World Food Programme. In 1997, the Government established the Nutrition Support Programme, which is now fully government-funded and operates in 132 educational institutions. Its mission is to promote food security and good nutrition among nutritionally vulnerable groups, particularly disadvantaged pre-primary and primary students at risk of malnutrition. While the programme initially targeted students from low socio-economic backgrounds, it is now open to any student who wishes to enrol.
