The Education Bureau (EDB) today (October 5) issued letters or circular memorandum to all kindergartens (KGs), private primary and secondary day schools as well as private schools offering non-formal curriculum (PSNFCs) (generally referred to as "tutorial schools") informing them the details of a one-off relief grant under the third round of the Anti-epidemic Fund.

     A spokesman for the EDB said that following the approval of the third round of the Anti-epidemic Fund by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council last Monday (September 28), the EDB has made immediate arrangements for progressively disbursing subsidies related to the areas of education. To alleviate the financial hardship arising from the suspension of face-to-face teaching due to the coronavirus disease 2019, the Anti-epidemic Fund will provide the above-mentioned schools with a one-off grant. The grant ranging from $30,000 to $80,000 will be provided to each KG and private primary and secondary day school. The additional expenditure is estimated to be $67.5 million, benefitting some 1 000 KGs and about 180 private primary and secondary day schools. Details are as follows:

- Schools joining the kindergarten education scheme (Scheme-KGs) will receive a grant ranging from $30,000 to $80,000, depending on their types (i.e. half-day, whole-day and long whole-day) and sizes;

- For non-Scheme KGs, each KG will receive a grant of $40,000;

- Private primary and secondary day schools (including English Schools Foundation schools, international schools, Private Independent Schools and other private primary and secondary day schools offering formal curriculum) will each receive $40,000.

     Regarding PSNFCs, a one-off relief grant of $20,000 will be given to each PSNFC registered under the Education Ordinance on or before the resumption of face-to-face classes by phases on September 23 and that is in operation on the date of issuance of the circular memorandum. The additional expenditure is estimated to be $60 million, benefitting some 3 000 PSNFCs.

     Depending on the disbursement arrangements for respective grants, the EDB will disburse the subsidy to schools about one month after obtaining the funding from the Anti-epidemic Fund or in about one month upon receipt of fully completed application forms or payees' information.

Ends/Monday, October 5, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:06

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