Govt Extends Deadline For Own Your Own Device Programme

Government extends deadline for device incentive programme: The Ministry of Education says it will be extending the deadline for the ‘Own Your Own Device Incentive Programme’ which is to assist parents with the purchasing of tablets or laptops for students who are in need but are not on the program of advancement through Health and Education (PATH).

The deadline which would have been Friday for the ‘Own Your Own Device Incentive Programme‘ has been extended to December 31.

According to the Ministry of Education, they have received a little over 14-thousand applications. 

Of that amount, 13-thousand students have been successful.

The programme is expected to benefit 36,000 needy students in primary and secondary schools across the island.

Under the programme, parents or guardians will receive an electronic voucher (evoucher) valued at $20,000 for the purchase of a device from an approved vendor.

However, there have been several reports from Members of Parliament of glitches within the system.

But there are concerns about the payment plan currently being negotiated with the govt and the potential vendors 

Another is about the effectiveness of the existing learning programmes following worrying diagnostic test results for Grades 4 and 5 and worse for Grades 6.