• Unable to assign funds for schools to prepare
• Difficulty in putting up handwashing facilities

By Sarah Hannan The Ministry of Education is now facing a lack of funds to allocate to all state schools to build the necessary handwashing facilities and additional amenities, The Morning learnt. Ministry officials yesterday (26) had a discussion on the next steps they should take to reopen schools. While practising good hygiene habits is of utmost importance when schools recommence, the Ministry is now faced with a lack of funds to allocate to schools to purchase the necessary amenities. "In order to adhere to the health guidelines, schools need to be fitted with extra sinks, taps, and water supply. Furthermore, certain schools do not have sick room facilities and even that needs to be built as per the health guidelines issued for schools. The current funds available with the Ministry are insufficient to fulfill this requirement at present," Ministry of Education Secretary N.H.M. Chithrananda told The Morning. Ministry officials are to further discuss this issue with respective school administrations in the coming days in order to ensure that a method of raising the necessary funds are decided and the facilities are constructed prior to reopening the schools. In the meantime, schools will open to fulfil administrative duties such as signing off university prospectus for students who have qualified to enter universities. In addition to that, students who have qualified for Advanced Level (A/L) studies are encouraged to apply for their selected subject stream online from the respective school websites. When asked about the upcoming examinations, Chithrananda said that examination dates will be decided once schools reopen for the Grade Five Scholarship examination and G.C.E. A/L examination, both of which are due in August.