The government has expedited the Back-to-School Support payment for the 2025 school year, allowing parents to receive financial assistance ahead of the previously scheduled date of January 15. This proactive approach gives families an additional two and a half weeks to prepare their children for the new academic year, which starts on January 27, 2025.

A total of 208,673 applications were received under this initiative, with 200,176 applications successfully processed, amounting to a total disbursement of $40.4 million. The remaining 8,313 applications are on hold while awaiting Year-12 exam results, which are necessary for students to be officially enrolled in Year-13.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized that the $200 support per child is designed to help alleviate financial burdens associated with essential school expenses, such as uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery. Parents can easily access these funds through digital platforms, including MPAiSA and MyCASH, or collect them at Post Fiji outlets, particularly in maritime areas.

This initiative reflects the Coalition Government’s commitment to aiding families, particularly those with household incomes below $50,000. Over the years, the Back-to-School Support program has routinely benefited around 200,000 students, with total investment exceeding $130 million annually in educational support.

The government expresses gratitude to school heads, teachers, and parents for their collaboration throughout the application process. This timely financial aid serves as a beacon of hope for families as they prepare for the academic season ahead, ensuring that students have the necessary resources to embark on their educational journey.

In summary, the early disbursement of Back-to-School Support not only alleviates immediate financial pressures but also underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational readiness and accessibility, promoting a brighter future for students and their families.