These children head out for the first day of school. - File
School Fees
1. If you are faced with difficulties in paying fees, you can apply for financial assistance under the Government's Cost Sharing programme. Here is how it works:
Inform the school's principal or guidance counsellor of your inability to pay.
You will be issued a form made available by the Ministry of Education and Youth. Fill out the form, stating your income and expenditure.
When completed, the form must be taken to a Justice of the Peace or pastor to be signed.
Return the form to the school, and if you are employed, take a letter from your employer, stating how much you earn.
The school will then forward the application to the Ministry of Education on your behalf, and will update you on its progress and final outcome.
At the university level, students may qualify for scholarships or bursaries. Information on such opportunities can be accessed from the institution's administration department or its website.
School Textbooks and Other Supplies
1. Utilise the school's book rental scheme.
2. Source second-hand books from family and friends, as well as from stores set up for this specific purpose.
3. Find out if there are any arranged book exchange programmes or book drives in your community, church or child's school. If there aren't, arrange one!
4. Utilise the consumer Affairs Commission's annual School Textbook Survey results to assist you in ascertaining where the cheapest books are available in your parish or town. Be a wise and informed consumer and practise good comparative shopping.
5. When books are purchased, ensure that they are wrapped, kept in good condition and that no permanent marks are made in them. This way, you can sell or exchange them next term, thus reducing next year's back-to-school expenses.
Uniforms & other apparel
1. Some schools make ready-made uniforms available on sale to their students. This may prove less expensive than buying the fabric and accessories and having the garments made by a professional dressmaker. Compare the cost of both ventures and choose the most inexpensive option.
2. New uniforms are not required every new term or school year. Some uniforms can be dyed, lengthened or otherwise repaired, and restored to a good enough condition to be worn in the new term.
3. Take advantage of bargains. Buy multiple quantities of items that the child may need further down in the year. If you purchase two pairs of shoes, pants or shirts, buy the second pair a size or two larger, as the child may grow by the time he or she is ready to use these items.
4. Additionally, parents can take advantage of deals if they pool with friends who have children of similar age. If you purchase in bulk, especially on items such as exercise books, pens, pencils, etc., you will be able to save some money.
Medical Expenses
Local clinics are usually less costly than private doctors. Parents are advised to utilise the services of the clinics in their communities for the purpose of medical examinations, dental and optical check-ups, as well as medical reports.
Transportation
Parents must consider a number of factors in order to determine how much to budget for this expense, including the following:
Location of the child's school
from home and work.
The age and intellect of your child.
What modes of transportation are available and the cost for each.
Whether or not the school or any independent party offers a school bus programme.
