Applications are now open for the 2025 Back-to-School Support program in Fiji, reaffirming the government’s dedication to providing financial aid to low-income families and alleviating the financial burden associated with education. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, highlighted that no child should have to forgo education due to financial hardships.
This initiative, now in its third year, has already allocated $87 million to assist families throughout Fiji. In the last budget alone, the program distributed $42.5 million, benefiting approximately 212,740 students. For the 2024-2025 budget, an additional $40 million has been earmarked to support families earning an annual income of $50,000 or less, covering students from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through Year 13.
To simplify the application process, forms are accessible both at schools and online, with support from teachers and school heads who will assist in verifying the details. The government is committed to ensuring that each eligible parent receives the full amount of $200, with service fees covered by the government.
Professor Prasad emphasized the importance of this program in providing every child in Fiji with equal educational opportunities, stating that the payments will be processed through Vodafone M-PAiSA and Digicel MyCASH, with additional support for families in remote areas provided by Post Fiji. The application window is open until December 6, 2024.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach to education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder children’s access to necessary educational resources. The government’s efforts underscore a bright future where every child can pursue their education irrespective of economic status.
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