Fiji’s Back-to-School Grant Under Scrutiny: Are Funds Used for Education?

Parents are being encouraged to use the Government’s $200 ‘Back to School’ assistance correctly, directed towards their children’s education rather than for other expenses. Nirmala Nambiar, the head of operations at Fenc Fiji, emphasized the importance of utilizing the funds for educational purposes. She noted that there have been instances where parents have spent the money on food and household bills instead of school necessities.

Nambiar urged parents to prioritize their children’s needs, highlighting that this financial assistance is intended to help students succeed in school and boost their overall well-being. She expressed hope that parents would invest the funds into uniforms and school materials, thereby fostering their children’s education and development.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the effectiveness of cash assistance compared to potential vouchers. Nambiar suggested that vouchers might not necessarily ensure their intended use since parents could still end up purchasing non-educational items.

In addition, the Foundation for the Education of the Needy Children in Fiji (FENC Fiji) reported that out of 11,605 back-to-school applications received, 5,780 were not approved due to missing documents or incomplete submissions. With only 5,825 students qualifying for assistance from a $300,000 government grant, Nambiar shared her disappointment over the number of incomplete applications.

The application process considers several factors including family income and overall circumstances, with stricter evaluations leading to many rejections. To streamline the application process, FENC Fiji has collaborated with the Ministry of Rural Development, establishing divisional coordinators in various regions to assist families more effectively.

This initiative aims not only to provide immediate aid but also to enhance accessibility for rural and maritime communities, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. By fostering stronger partnerships and outreach, there is optimism that more families will receive the support necessary for their children’s educational journeys.