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 distribution of these payments has been moved up from the initial start date of January 15 to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year, which commences on January 27, 2025.

Prof. Prasad reported that a total of 208,673 applications were submitted for this initiative, of which 200,176 have been successfully processed, leading to a total payout of $40.4 million. Currently, 8,313 applications are still pending as they await the Year-12 exam results.

Designed to ease the financial strain of essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery, the $200 support will be distributed through mobile payment platforms MPAiSA and MyCASH. This program reflects the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to support families, particularly those with household incomes below $50,000. Historically, the initiative has benefited approximately 200,000 students annually, with the government investing around $130 million in educational assistance each year.

The timely rollout of this financial aid is especially significant as families prepare for school-related expenses, helping to ensure that students are well-equipped as they embark on a new academic year filled with opportunities. This support not only alleviates the immediate financial burden on families but also emphasizes the government’s dedication to fostering educational readiness, reinforcing the importance of education in the community. The initiative serves as a hopeful sign for many families navigating the challenges associated with back-to-school costs.