There is no shortage of money for Government’s funding of scholarship winners – it’s just that they will have to wait until the process is completed!
Acting Chief Education Officer Laurie King, responding to allegations from at least two parents who had contacted the DAILY NATION, said the money was there, but “certain requirements” had to be met first.
“You don’t just get up and win a scholarship one morning and the next morning you get a cheque –it doesn’t work like that! It’s a process/protocol that has to be followed,” he stated.
King said quite a few parents had been asking about “additional funding”, and these were told they would have to check with the Student Revolving Loan Scheme.
“When we give scholarships, they are for full funding, travel expenses, living accommodations . . . everything is included. I am aware that some persons are requesting more funding or enquiring about the possibility of additional funding beyond what the scholarship provides, but for those students who require extra funding, they have been directed to check with the Student Revolving Loan Scheme,” he explained.
This year’s scholarship winners represent the largest number in any year since the programme started years ago.
Queen’s College took the majority of the scholarships, gaining 13 while Harrison College took eight. Queen’s College also got 10 exhibitions, while Harrison College got 13.
King said some students had already left for their universities but their processing was still continuing.
“So let me say again: there is no shortage of funds – it’s just the protocol that we are following,” the acting chief stated.
