The BC Government has added $20 million dollars to it’s Student and Family Affordability fund, which helps support families struggling to afford school expensis for their children.
$375,000 of the $20 million top-up will support students and families throughout three local school districts in the Kootenays.
Over the last two years, the province has provided more than $60 million to the fund, which helps pay for school things like field trips, school supplies, extracurricular activity fees and other essential items.
Kootenay Lake’s School District 8 and Arrow Lakes School District 10 will each receive $100,000, with Kootenay-Columbia’s School District 20 receiving $175,000.
Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson said that the funding aims to provide relief to families struggling financially and to ensure equal opportunities are available to all students.
“No child should miss out on special activities, trips, or memorable school moments due to financial constraints. This funding marks an important step in supporting children and fostering inclusivity within our schools.”
Anderson added that all three school districts have received the funding before, which she says has significantly helped many local families.
“It’s really about equity for our students. With global inflation, things are really challenging for families, and I’m hearing it all the time. It’s really important that our government is stepping up and taking action to support families and students and make sure that they’re able to participate in all the activities that students can enjoy.”
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