The Education Bureau issued letters or circular memoranda today to inform schools of the details concerning the provision of about $667 million in relief grants and subsidies related to areas of education under the sixth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund.

To alleviate the financial hardship arising from face-to-face class suspension and the conducting of half-day schooling in light of the worsening epidemic situation, the fund will provide all kindergartens, private primary and secondary day schools as well as private schools offering non-formal curriculum with a one-off grant.

The grant, ranging from $60,000 to $160,000, will be given to each kindergarten and private day school. The expenditure is estimated to be $135 million and will benefit about 1,000 kindergartens and 180 private day schools.

Regarding private schools and designated centres under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Designated Evening Adult Education Courses, a one-off relief grant of $40,000 will be given to each school and centre registered under the Education Ordinance and in operation on the date the circular memorandum is issued. The expenditure is estimated to be $108 million and will benefit some 2,700 schools and designated centres.

Meanwhile, one-off relief grants will also be provided to catering outlet operators at primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary institutions; lunchbox suppliers at primary and secondary day schools; school bus drivers, including school private light bus drivers and escorts; and instructors, coaches, trainers and operators of interest classes engaged by schools. The expenditure is estimated to be $423.8 million.

Click here for the letters or circular memoranda.