On Thursday, February 27, 2024, the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) completed payments through the Pés-de-Meia program, delivering R$1,000 to students from both regular and Youth and Adult Education (EJA) who were approved this academic year. This initiative also provided R$200 to students who completed the last series of secondary education and participated in both days of the National High School Exam (ENEM) at the end of the year.
The payment schedule for this month began on February 25 for students born from January to June, followed by those born from July to December on February 26. All students completing the first and second year received the R$1,000 bonus regardless of their birth dates.
Instituted by Law 14.818/2024, the Pés-de-Meia program has benefitted 4 million students since its inception. This federal financial incentive program is aimed at promoting the persistence and completion of public high school education among students who are part of the Federal Government's Social Programs Unified Registry (CadÚnico).
Each eligible student can receive up to R$9,200 throughout their high school years. To qualify for the monthly R$200 attendance incentive, students must attend at least 80% of classes. The Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF) is responsible for opening savings accounts for enrolled students and managing the deposit of all program benefits.
Those affected by the Pés-de-Meia program are encouraged to consult their payment status via the Student Journey app. Students who have not yet received the R$1,000 bonus should contact their school administration or relevant education authority, as the release of payments can sometimes be delayed if the necessary approval data has not yet been submitted to the MEC. Minister Camilo Santana reiterated, "The payment of the R$1,000 savings of the Pés-de-Meia program will enter the accounts of students on February 25," emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring education remains accessible.
Santana noted, "More than 90% of the young people enrolled in the program have passed their year," highlighting the program's effectiveness. The Pés-de-Meia initiative serves as evidence of the government's endeavor to address school dropout rates by providing financial support to students and their families. Beneficiaries receive R$200 monthly upon signing up, with additional financial boosts of R$1,800 disbursed throughout the year and monthly payments for those who sit for the ENEM.
The MEC has faced scrutiny from opposition parliamentarians, particularly about the distribution of promotional items related to the program. On February 26, Luciano Zucco, leader of the opposition, submitted a request for clarity on whether the MEC participated financially or logistically in the delivery of these items, including personalized socks showcasing the program's logo, which were distributed to congress members to rally support.
Despite the overall beneficial impact of the Pés-de-Meia program, opposition critics have raised concerns about transparency and management within the MEC's implementation of the program. The ministry is working to allay fears and improve communication with both educational institutions and students following reports of payment discrepancies.
Students from low-income families aged between 14 and 24, who are registered with CadÚnico, are eligible for the Pés-de-Meia benefits. Specific criteria include maintaining regular attendance of at least 80% and not failing courses at the end of the academic year. For those completing high school, the program provides not only the monthly financial aid but also bonuses for academic performance and participation in ENEM.
The final phase of payments for February highlights the government’s strategic emphasis on supporting student persistence through financial intervention. These students must wait until graduation to withdraw the incentive funds, which are intended to form part of their savings for the future.
For those who have pending issues with their payments, school secretaries have until the end of April to rectify any outstanding data submissions to the MEC. This timeframe allows students to update any errors and secure the financial support they are entitled to.
The implementation of the Pés-de-Meia program has illustrated the Brazilian government's effort to invest directly in its youth, aiming not just to keep students enrolled but to help them achieve their educational goals. The success of this initiative, along with the ministry's commitment, speaks volumes about the aspirations for Brazil's future generations, paving the way for young individuals to pursue higher educational opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic development.