Public-school teacher coupon distribution halted, founder says

Public-school teachers had not received annual Teacher Appreciation Coupon Sheets as of Sunday 4 October after distribution was halted at the request of the Minister of Education, according to Angelique Romou, founder of the Loving Our Teachers Out Loud initiative.

Romou said coupon sheets had already been distributed to school boards and private schools, including SECDA. She said she was told the halt was linked to a policy governing donations, but maintained that the coupons were intended for teachers rather than schools.

Romou said she spoke with the Minister at the end of Friday 2 October and understood that permission would be granted after she submitted an email explaining the initiative. She said the email was sent, but public-school teachers still had not received the coupons by the time of the release.

She said she asked the head of the relevant Public Education division to return any undistributed coupons so she could deliver them herself. The initiative marks its fifth year in recognition of World Teachers’ Day on 5 October and has expanded to include retired teachers. Romou said about 30 businesses are taking part this year, with offers available during October and, where applicable, throughout the year.