Parents and guardians in Fiji will begin receiving $200 Back-to-School Support payments starting tonight, as announced by Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad. The disbursement of these funds, which was initially scheduled to commence on January 15, has been expedited to aid families preparing for the upcoming school year that starts on January 27, 2025.

Prof. Prasad revealed that out of a total of 208,673 applications received, 200,176 were successfully processed, resulting in a significant payout of $40.4 million. However, 8,313 applications have yet to be finalized as they are pending results from Year-12 examinations.

This support program is a crucial initiative by the Coalition Government to alleviate the financial burden of essential school-related expenses. Parents can use the $200 payments to cover costs for uniforms, shoes, school bags, lunch boxes, stationery, and other necessities. Disbursement will be conducted through convenient mobile payment platforms, MPAiSA and MyCASH.

Historically, this support has benefited around 200,000 students annually, with the government allocating approximately $130 million each year to educational assistance. The initiative particularly targets families with household incomes below $50,000, reinforcing the government’s commitment to educational accessibility.

The timely support not only provides immediate financial relief but also emphasizes the government’s dedication to fostering educational preparedness, ensuring that students have the resources they need as they transition into a new academic year filled with opportunities. This initiative serves as a hopeful sign for many families navigating the challenges of back-to-school expenses, highlighting the importance of education in the community.