Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, August 23, 2023 [Press Secretary, PMO] – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is pleased to announce the launch of the Back-to-School Voucher Initiative aimed at supporting families and students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The initiative, set to begin on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, and run through to Friday, September 29th, 2023, will provide a voucher value of EC$250 per child to assist with back-to-school expenses. This initiative is open to primary and secondary school students enrolled in public institutions of learning in the twin island Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, aged 4 to 16.
Custodial parents are asked to apply for the voucher via an online application process created to assist with the distribution. The online application process for the Back-to-School Voucher Initiative has been designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Custodial parents or guardians can access the application through the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department’s dedicated platform at backtoschool.gov.kn. The application platform, which will be launched at midday (12:00 pm) on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, will feature an introductory page providing essential information about the voucher, the participating vendors, and the redemption process. Applicants will be required to confirm their understanding of the initiative’s general parameters before proceeding.
Persons who do not have access to a computer or who may require assistance with the application process can visit the self-help desks, which will be located at the Ministry of Education Stanford Building near the airport, or the Ministry of Social Development at Victoria Road, Basseterre.
The application process will include providing necessary information about the parent or guardian, such as their full name, address, contact number, contact email address, and a picture of the front of a government-issued photo identification card with bio data. Information about the child(ren) being claimed will also be requested, including their names, dates of birth, schools attending, and enrolled grades for 2023. Parents or guardians will be able to register multiple children from their household.
The verification process will feature a dashboard where all applications by custodial parents or guardians will be listed. Authorized individuals will have the ability to approve applications as fully approved, partially approved, pending investigation, or denied, with the provision of reasons for denial.
The approval process will involve Education Management Information System (EMIS) Team Members, designated representatives from each school, and Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs (MoSDGA) Team Members. These authorized personnel will ensure the accuracy and eligibility of the applications. A contract has been prepared for participating vendors to ensure their commitment to the initiative’s success.
To facilitate payments, the Ministry has partnered with JAD Cash, a digital payment system. This system will create government accounts and digital wallets for each approved individual, enabling payments to vendors from the government’s account. The decision to partner with JAD Cash was based on the aim to ensure funds are used for the intended purpose, promote familiarity with digital cash systems, and serve as a case study for digital payment systems in social protection programs.
The Ministry recognizes the importance of this initiative in supporting families during the back-to-school season and remains committed to streamlining the process for maximum efficiency and impact. The Back-to-School Voucher Initiative underscores the government’s dedication to providing accessible education and financial assistance to students across Saint Kitts and Nevis.
