Director of Education Clare Browne is making a strong case for an annual
subvention by the government to assist privately run educational institutions in
Antigua and Barbuda.
Director Browne says he recognizes that the education system has been allocated
the largest slice of the 2024 National Budget, and while he recognizes that that
money is being stretched to the limit, he says he is looking forward to the day
when the private schools at all levels, pre-school, primary and secondary will be
able to get an annual subvention from the government to help them cover their
operational costs.
“I would love to see private schools get some financial assistance from the
government to help them keep their doors open. Many of these schools are having
a number of challenges and it is important that they all remain open as we do not
have enough spaces within the public schools to accommodate all the students
currently enrolled in private schools,” he declared.
Director Browne is of the view that all students whether in the public or private
schools are entitled to the best education available. “Some private schools are
struggling and we have a responsibility to ensure that all students get a good
education regardless of whether they attend school, public or private,” he stated.
Additionally, the director noted that there will come a time when consideration is
given to providing each school in the public sector with a small budget to allow it
to carry out some of its tasks. Too often, he noted, teachers and students spend
time raising funds to support for school related activities.
He said teachers and students should be concentrating on education rather than
finding ways to raise funds for their institutions.
