Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced that the Back-to-School Support payments for the 2025 school year have been successfully distributed ahead of schedule. Initially set to commence on January 15, 2025, the payments were expedited, allowing families an additional two and a half weeks to prepare for their children’s return to school on January 27.
A total of 208,673 applications were received for this initiative, with 200,176 payments successfully processed, resulting in a significant disbursement of $40.4 million. However, 8,313 applications remain on hold as they await the results from Year-12 exams, which are essential for students to officially enroll in Year 13.
Prof. Prasad emphasized that the $200 support per child is designed to help alleviate the financial burden of essential school-related expenses, including uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery. Parents and guardians can access these funds through digital platforms such as MPAiSA and MyCASH, or collect them at Post Fiji outlets, especially in maritime areas.
This Back-to-School Support initiative is a key program of the Coalition Government aimed at assisting families with household incomes below $50,000. Historically, it has benefited around 200,000 students annually, with the government committing approximately $130 million in educational assistance each year.
The timely rollout of this financial aid not only provides necessary relief to families as they face back-to-school costs but also demonstrates the government’s dedication to promoting educational readiness. It serves as a hopeful signal for many families, ensuring children are equipped with the resources they need to succeed in the new academic year.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education highlights the community’s commitment to education, emphasizing the importance of supporting families during this crucial time.
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