EDB to disburse Special Anti-epidemic Grant to schools

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (February 28) issued a circular memorandum to all primary schools, secondary schools and kindergartens (KGs) in Hong Kong, announcing the details of the provision of a one-off Special Anti-epidemic Grant. The total expenditure involved is more than $62 million.
 
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "With the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, in order to help schools cope with the epidemic and get prepared for resumption of face-to-face classes, the EDB will provide a one-off Special Anti-epidemic Grant to all schools offering a full and formal curriculum in Hong Kong (i.e. all public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, private primary and secondary schools, and KGs) to help them purchase equipment/items for epidemic prevention, procure the relevant services and items for cleaning the school premises and pay for the relevant expenses for student vaccination arrangements."
 
     In terms of the amount, schools of different categories and scales will receive the Grant as follows:
 

1. KGs – the amount to be received by KGs joining the kindergarten education scheme (Scheme-KGs) is determined by the total number of students: KGs with 66 or less half-day students will receive $15,000 (one full-time student to be counted as two half-day students) while 67 or more will receive $22,500. Each non-Scheme KG will receive $18,750;
2. Public sector and DSS primary and secondary schools (including special schools) – the amount to be received by each school is determined by the number of approved classes. Specifically, schools with 11 classes or less will receive $22,500; those with 12 to 23 classes will receive $30,000 and those with 24 classes or more will receive $37,500;
3. Boarding sections of special schools – the amount to be received is determined by their approved boarding capacity. Specifically, schools with a boarding capacity less than 40 will receive $45,000; those with a capacity from 40 to 60 will receive $60,000 and those with a capacity from 61 or more will receive $75,000; and
4. Private secondary and primary schools (including private schools offering full and formal curriculum, international schools, Private Independent Schools and schools under the English Schools Foundation) will each receive a grant of $30,000.

 
     The circular memorandum has detailed the disbursement arrangements for the relevant grant. Application will not be required for the majority of schools. Schools are expected to receive the grant starting from March at the earliest.