Parents and guardians seeking the Government’s $200 back-to-school assistance will benefit from new measures aimed at easing the application verification process. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has announced that heads of schools are now authorized to sign the assistance forms, in addition to Justices of the Peace. This change aims to simplify the verification for families, particularly those in rural and maritime areas where accessing a JP can often be challenging.
Minister Radrodro, speaking in the iTaukei language, reassured parents: “I reassure parents who are looking for Justices of the Peace to sign the back-to-school forms that, as announced, heads of schools can also sign these forms.” He highlighted that school heads can confirm the accuracy of the information provided on the forms, thereby facilitating a smoother process for those applying for support.
Applications for the 2026 back-to-school assistance opened on November 11 and will close on December 12. This initiative is particularly relevant as many families are gearing up for significant expenses related to their children’s education. Reports indicate that the government has been proactive in supporting low-income families, having processed over 208,000 applications in the past years, with payments reaching approximately 200,000 families.
The Ministry of Education has previously encountered challenges with delays in payments attributed to inaccuracies such as incorrect identification numbers and mobile contact details submitted in applications. The new measure of allowing school heads to sign forms aims to mitigate these issues, as it encourages families to verify their details accurately at the school level.
This financial support program, with an annual budget of around $130 million, emphasizes the government’s commitment to easing the educational expenses burden, especially for families earning below $50,000. By enhancing the efficiency of the verification process, the government seeks to ensure that more families can access the support they need without unnecessary delays.
Overall, the changes reflect a positive step toward enhancing educational access and assistance, ultimately paving the way for a more prepared and engaged student body as they head back to school. With the collaborative efforts between the Ministry and local schools, many families are hopeful for a smoother financial assistance process this upcoming school year.
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