Sixth formers to benefit from book rental scheme

Sixth form students will soon have the benefit of a text book rental programme.

Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, said that the programme will be introduced in September.

"We have heard stories of students having to sit at home because they can't afford the $40,000 to $70,000 being charged...for a year of study in sixth form. I don't think (they) should (be denied) the opportunity of going on to sixth form," Reid said.

The minister said that the Government "will do all it can to assist" sixth form students with books.

"We feel that...we can give parents a much needed break on the cost of having students moving on to sixth form," the minister said.

The announcement of text book rental programme is yet another radical policy of the Andrew Holness - Government to reduce the cost burden of education from the backs of Jamaicans. The Government has already announced the abolition of auxiliary fees in secondary schools starting in September.