The application process for the 2025 Back-to-School Support program is officially underway. This initiative reflects the Fijian Government’s dedication to providing financial assistance aimed at alleviating educational costs for low-income families. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, underscored the necessity of reducing financial burdens for families, asserting that no child should have to forgo education due to monetary challenges.
“Our objective is clear: to ensure that every child in Fiji begins the school year equipped with essential items such as uniforms, shoes, bags, lunch boxes, and stationery, without financial strain on parents,” Prasad stated. He highlighted that in the past two years, the program has distributed a total of $87 million in support to families throughout Fiji, with the previous budget allocating $42.5 million to assist 212,740 students.
For the 2024-2025 budget, $40 million has been set aside specifically for families with an annual income of $50,000 or less, facilitating support for students from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through Year 13. “Making the application process accessible is a priority,” Prasad remarked, noting that application forms are available at schools and online for convenience. Additionally, teachers and school heads will be assisting with the verification of application details, emphasizing the essential role they play in this initiative.
To ensure that parents receive the full benefit of the program, the Government will cover the service fee, guaranteeing that every eligible parent receives the complete $200 assistance. “This program demonstrates our commitment to providing every Fijian child with equal educational opportunities,” Professor Prasad added.
Payments will be processed through Vodafone M-PAiSA and Digicel MyCASH, with support from Post Fiji for families residing in remote locations. The application window commenced today and will remain open until December 6, 2024.
This initiative is a beacon of hope for many families and reflects positively on the efforts being made to ensure that education remains accessible, fostering a brighter future for the children of Fiji.
A summary of the article would be: The Fijian Government has opened applications for its 2025 Back-to-School Support program, providing financial assistance to low-income families to cover educational costs. With $40 million allocated for the upcoming year, the program aims to support families earning $50,000 or less, ensuring that every child starts the school year fully equipped. The initiative highlights the Government’s commitment to equal educational opportunities for all children in Fiji.
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