CARIMAC Times 2016: The JREAM Edition Journalists Reviving Awareness of what Matters | Page 76

Dr. Tana Ricketts Roomes
Photo by Keshauna Nichols

The main reason was also to help her son with his
homework.
“Wen im get di projects dem, mi nuh haffi go to no
library or Internet café,” Phang said.
However, paying the Internet bill is a problem for
Phang, because she does not have the money to do
so sometimes. But her family members try to pay
whenever she is unable to.
Harrison said there are a number of government
initiatives that provide support to these families,
including the Programme of Advancement Through
Health and Education (PATH). They give cash grants
every two months to children between ages six and

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18, sometimes older if attending a governmentfunded secondary institution. The Cost Sharing
programme in schools is a component of the PATH.
It provides children with a warm meal at school.
The Poor Relief Department also operates another
programme that helps with back-to-school supplies
for children.
Health
Moncrieffe said the health of her family is very
important, but she is unable to properly care for
their health the way she wants. She said the money
she earns is spent on food, bills, transportation,
and school.