Parents and guardians in Fiji will begin receiving $200 Back-to-School Support payments tonight, as announced by Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad. Initially scheduled for distribution to start on January 15, the early release aims to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year beginning January 27, 2025.

Prof. Prasad noted that a total of 208,673 applications were received, with 200,176 approved, representing a total payout of $40.4 million. Currently, 8,313 applications remain on hold as they await Year-12 exam results. The financial support is designed to cover essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery.

The disbursement is made conveniently through mobile payment platforms MPAiSA or MyCASH. This program is part of the Coalition Government’s broader initiative to assist families, particularly those with household incomes below $50,000, showcasing a long-term commitment to support around 200,000 students each year.

Historically, this program has benefitted over 200,000 students annually, with the government investing approximately $130 million in educational assistance. The timely rollout of this support provides hope for families during the financially demanding back-to-school period, reinforcing the importance of education in the community as students prepare for insightful academic experiences ahead.

In summary, the $200 assistance not only alleviates immediate financial pressures for families but also emphasizes the government’s commitment to fostering educational readiness, promoting better preparedness for students as they embark on a new academic year filled with opportunities.