DSWD offers aid to poor students

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is providing assistance to students from low-income families whomay find themselves in a difficult financial situation as classes open next month.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said they are expediting the processing of educational assistance to indigent students under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.

“We are fast-tracking our assistance to needy children and youth to enable them to enroll, since we have always believed that education is the key to lifting themselves and their families out of poverty,” Soliman said.

The educational aid helps defray the school expenses and the cost of sending children to school such as tuition, school supplies and transportation allowance.

The grants range from P3,000 to P25,000.

“This is a limited financial assistance designed to augment the poor students’ immediate needs, especially if the family is presently in crisis and is unable to raise the needed amount to continue sending their children to school,” Soliman said.

For the first quarter of 2015, the program has provided educational aid to 42,363 children.

Students can avail of the financial aid once every three months. However, for those seeking continued assistance, a case study report done by a social worker may be required to establish whether the family is still in crisis or not.

The requirements for families seeking to avail of the assistance include an enrollment assessment form or certificate of registration, student school ID, a barangay certificate of residency or indigency and a referral letter, if applicable.