I have heard the many stories concerning the Students' Loan Bureau (SLB), and I think some arguments are valid, but some are not. In 1995, I received a loan from the SLB to complete a two-year course, and, I must say, without the loan I would have not been able to be as qualified as I am. It is imperative that students/adults spend some time and read the loan agreements carefully. As indicated by a previous writer, failure to do so will result in heartache.

The fact of the matter is that SLB is really meant to help poor students who would otherwise be unable to complete higher education. However, it is not free and comes with a price. A proper plan must be in place when thinking about securing a loan from SLB. Persons must look at their earning potential in the requisite field they are pursuing, and thus, take a loan that is manageable to repay when they start working.

Student loans

It is crazy for anyone to take a large loan, which they may never be able to repay. I am not sure if the SLB policies have changed regarding being employed and getting a loan, but even if you are unemployed at the time of application, try and get a part-time job to help with your school expenses.

In other countries, the policies of student loans are sometimes even more onerous than in Jamaica. Most students end up paying loans for the rest of their lives.

I am, etc.,

DAYNE ANDERSON

dayne.c.anderson@gmail.com

Toronto, Canada