Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced that the Back-to-School Support payments for the 2025 academic year have been successfully processed and distributed earlier than planned. This proactive move allows families an additional two and a half weeks to prepare for the school year, which begins on January 27, 2025. The payments, originally scheduled for January 15, aim to relieve financial pressures during this crucial preparation period.

A total of 208,673 applications were received for this initiative, with 200,176 applications processed successfully, resulting in a substantial disbursement of $40.4 million. However, there remain 8,313 applications on hold, awaiting necessary Year-12 examination results for students to be officially enrolled in Year-13.

Each eligible child receives $200, designed to help families manage essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery. Parents can access the funds easily through digital platforms like MPAiSA and MyCASH, or they can collect them from Post Fiji outlets. For families residing in maritime areas, funds are available at local Post Fiji agencies upon presentation of the child’s student ID.

This initiative is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting families, especially those with household incomes below $50,000. Historically, this program has benefited around 200,000 students annually, with a total investment of approximately $130 million in educational assistance since its inception.

The early distribution of these funds is not only a much-needed financial relief for families but also reflects the government’s commitment to fostering educational preparedness. This support provides a hopeful outlook for families as they navigate back-to-school costs, ensuring that children are well-equipped to embrace a new academic year filled with potential and opportunities.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education also express their gratitude to school heads, teachers, and parents for their unwavering support throughout the application process, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in enhancing education.

In summary, this early financial assistance initiative serves as a significant support system for families, paving the way for a promising and successful school year ahead for students.