Students of families whose monthly income does not exceed RO 400 are eligible for the school supplies and nutrition initiative, which was launched after Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This was decided in a joint meeting of officials from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social Development in Muscat on Thursday.
The meeting decided to begin a five-day survey starting from September 4 to 8 to count the beneficiaries of low-income groups and social security families. Parents who wish to avail the scheme should send details by e-mail to the respective schools.
A sum of more than RO 4 million has been allotted for the scheme.
The Ministry of Social Development said that a one-time payment RO 25 will be disbursed for each eligible student to cover school supplies at the beginning of the school year starting in September.
Meanwhile, RO 11-worth vouchers will be given to each needy student to purchase daily meals. Each coupon will carry a value of 500 baisas to cover a total of 22 school days each month, according to the statement.
The Ministry of Social Development pointed out that it will transfer the approved sums for the students to the bank accounts of the Social Insurance Families, while the Ministry of Education will do the same for low-income families. The daily meal vouchers will be distributed by the Ministry of Education.
The number of beneficiaries stands at 59,030 (24,665 students from Social Insurance Families and 34,365 from low-income families).
The Royal orders drew praise from walis, officials, teachers and parents. They said that the scheme will alleviate the burdens and obligations of families, and will contribute in providing an appropriate environment for students from low-income groups to start the new academic year with hard work and dedication.
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