With the new academic school year now underway, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is reporting that 148,692 students are set to receive benefits under the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

In a statement on Wednesday, September 13, the social security ministry said that it has achieved a significant milestone in enrolling 148,692 students in the programme. Of the total number of students enrolled in the PATH programme, boys contribute to the largest number of beneficiaries, accounting for 78,790, while girls accounted for 69,902.

“These new enrollment numbers highlight the impact of PATH in addressing educational disparities and ensuring that every child regardless of their gender has the opportunity to thrive in school. Investing in our youth is an investment in the future prosperity of Jamaica. Education equality is a fundamental cornerstone of the PATH programme’s mission,” said Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr.

The ministry added that this achievement in student enrollment not only signifies the growing inclusivity of the PATH programme, but underscores the programme’s important role in helping boys engage in school and giving them a greater opportunity to complete their educational studies.

The PATH programme, which was launched in 2002, is social assistance programme targeting the most vulnerable households in the Jamaican population. The programme is currently providing assistance to over 350,000 beneficiaries.