The Foundation for Education for Needy Children (FENC) has announced that it received over 11,600 applications from across the nation for its support scheme, yet only 5,780 vulnerable children were approved following a rigorous assessment process. This highlights a significant gap between the demand for educational assistance and the available support, as over half of the applicants did not qualify.
Nirmala Nambiar, the National Executive Coordinator of FENC, noted that many applications were disqualified due to incomplete documentation or failure to meet eligibility requirements. “They have to be completed as required in a very proper manner before they are assessed. I was surprised at the quality of the applications that came from all the places with no evidence. Some just came on single applications with no attachments, and we can’t be accountable for something like that,” she explained.
Supported by a generous $300,000 government grant, this initiative stands as one of Fiji’s largest non-governmental organization-led educational support programs. The funding is specifically aimed at assisting children from low-income, rural, and island communities in obtaining essential school supplies in preparation for the new school year.
FENC emphasizes that the application process adhered to strict governance standards, ensuring accountability in the utilization of public funds. Priority is given to families that are most in need, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to supporting the education of disadvantaged children.
This initiative represents a pivotal effort in bolstering educational opportunities for vulnerable populations, underscoring the importance of community support in bridging the educational divide. By raising awareness about application requirements, future efforts could enhance the rate of successful approvals, ultimately benefiting more children in need.
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