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Back-to-school costs rise for families in Barbados, Jamaica, and Canada
Families across several regions are facing rising costs for back-to-school essentials. In Barbados, the Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust has increased its programme budget to over $459,000, a 23.8 per cent rise compared to 2025. The trust is providing uniforms, textbooks, and supplies to 669 vulnerable students across 84 schools.
In Jamaica, parents in Kingston report noticeable price hikes for school items, specifically uniforms and books. Some families are relying on government assistance or supplemental income to manage the increased financial burden.
In Canada, financial experts suggest using back-to-school shopping as a budgeting lesson for children. A survey by Caddle and the Retail Council of Canada estimated that average spending for K-12 students ranges from $600 to $750 per child when electronics are included.
Entities
Barbados · Credit Counselling Society · Dwayne Grazette · Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust · Retail Council of Canada
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Average back-to-school spending for K-12 students in Canada is estimated between $600 and $750 per child, including electronics. www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust is supporting 669 vulnerable students across 84 schools in Barbados.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust back-to-school programme is projected to cost over $459,000, a 23.8 per cent increase over 2025.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Parents in Kingston, Jamaica, report noticeable price increases for school items, particularly uniforms and books. nationwideradiojm.com