Parents are urged to be cautious about depending solely on the $200 back-to-school assistance, as expressed by concerned parent Katarina Bubu. Originally from Nasoqo Village in Naitasiri, Ms. Bubu shared her insights while shopping in Lautoka for school supplies.
As a mother of four, she made her way to Lautoka on Monday to purchase stationery early, taking advantage of reduced prices available in stores. Ms. Bubu noted a common trend, stating, “When the $200 comes in, bookshop owners usually increase the prices of stationery.” This observation highlights a crucial aspect of budgeting for school-related expenses.
With the $200 assistance expected to be distributed on January 16, Ms. Bubu emphasized the importance of not relying exclusively on this financial aid. She stated, “We Fijians should be encouraged to use our hard-earned money and support our own children. We should not put our children’s future on the $200, because what if there is a problem with the processing of the payment?”
Her proactive approach included completing shopping in Lautoka before the funds arrive. She remarked, “I am here in Lautoka to buy school items for my children and then go back to the village. I wanted to do my shopping before the money comes in.”
By encouraging families to take control of their budgeting and shopping habits, Ms. Bubu aims to ensure a more stable foundation for her children’s education. This perspective serves as a reminder for parents to be resourceful and forward-thinking in their preparations for the new school year.
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