Vulnerable Jamaicans encouraged to join PATH programme
Vulnerable Jamaicans encouraged to join PATH programme Jamaica Observer
sdgtalks
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Encouraging Jamaicans to Benefit from the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH)
Introduction
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is encouraging Jamaicans to take advantage of the offerings of its flagship social protection initiative, the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). This report aims to highlight the importance of PATH in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH)
PATH, introduced in 2002, was developed to provide social assistance for individuals from vulnerable households such as children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, persons living with disabilities, and elderly dependents. The program plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Education of Vulnerable Groups
Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr emphasized that PATH is essential for facilitating the education of vulnerable groups. He stated, “A critical objective of PATH is to ensure that children from low-income households are provided with the resources to complete their primary and secondary education, and that they receive support for post-secondary and tertiary education to make them employable — and by doing so, empower them to break the cycle of poverty that comes with low levels of education.”
This highlights the alignment of PATH with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Programme
PATH has been designed as a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme. This means that in order to continuously receive the benefits, families are required to seek healthcare for their young children and pregnant or nursing women, and ensure that they send children to school every day — unless there are circumstances that make it impossible to do so. This approach contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Additional Support
In addition to the bimonthly cash grants, the ministry through PATH provides back-to-school grants for primary and secondary schoolchildren in August of every year to help with the extra expenses. PATH also allows access to the education ministry’s School Feeding Programme, wherein children are provided with lunches free of cost. Furthermore, financial assistance is given for CXC examination fees and tertiary-level studies. These initiatives contribute to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Application Process
There is no application cost or forms to be filled out. Applicants are encouraged to provide all the necessary documents and honestly answer the questions asked by the representative in order to complete the assessment. This ensures a fair and efficient process for all applicants.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable.
-
SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
- Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex. |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 4: Quality Education.
SDG 1: No Poverty
The article discusses the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s flagship social protection initiative, the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). PATH aims to provide social assistance for individuals from vulnerable households, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, persons living with disabilities, and elderly dependents. This aligns with SDG 1’s target of implementing social protection systems and measures for all, including the poor and vulnerable. The article also mentions that PATH provides bimonthly cash grants and back-to-school grants to assist with extra expenses, which can be measured using Indicator 1.3.1.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article emphasizes the importance of PATH in facilitating the education of vulnerable groups, particularly children from low-income households. The program aims to ensure that these children have the resources to complete their primary and secondary education and receive support for post-secondary and tertiary education. This aligns with SDG 4’s target of ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education. The article also mentions the School Feeding Programme and financial assistance for CXC examination fees and tertiary-level studies, which contribute to Indicator 4.1.1 by promoting relevant and effective learning outcomes.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: jamaicaobserver.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
