Parents and guardians in Fiji will receive $200 Back-to-School Support payments starting tonight, as announced by Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad. This adjustment moves the payment date up from the initially planned January 15, 2025, to provide earlier assistance for families as they prepare for the school year beginning on January 27, 2025.

Minister Prasad disclosed that of the 208,673 applications received, 200,176 were approved, resulting in a substantial payout of $40.4 million. Currently, 8,313 applications remain on hold, pending Year-12 examination results.

The $200 support per child is intended to help cover essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, school bags, shoes, and stationery, alleviating some of the financial pressures families face during this back-to-school season. Payments will be processed conveniently through mobile platforms MPAiSA and MyCASH.

This initiative is part of the Coalition Government’s broader commitment to support families, particularly those with household incomes below $50,000. Historically, this program has aided around 200,000 students annually, with the government investing approximately $130 million each year in educational assistance.

The timely rollout of this financial aid aims to ensure that students are well-prepared as they start the new academic year. It not only lightens the immediate financial burden on families but also reinforces the government’s dedication to fostering educational readiness and accessibility within the community. This support serves as a hopeful signal for many families as they approach the often challenging back-to-school costs.