The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has reiterated its dedication to aiding iTaukei students, announcing that 2,356 students have received support this year through the Early Withdrawal Minors Education Assistance programme. Minister for iTaukei Affairs and Chairman of the TLTB Board of Trustees, Ifereimi Vasu, stated that this initiative is crucial for families facing financial challenges, especially concerning education expenses.
Since its introduction in 2024, the programme has provided a total of 10,025 students with the moral and financial support necessary for their academic journeys over the 2024, 2025, and 2026 academic years. This scheme enables families to early withdraw a portion of minors’ lease funds to cover immediate educational needs, particularly for primary and secondary schooling. The remainder of the funds is securely invested until the child turns 18.
Vasu emphasized that many families experience difficulty accessing necessary funds during critical educational periods, which can lead to children dropping out. “This initiative was introduced to ensure that support is provided at the time our children actually need it,” he remarked, highlighting the timely nature of the assistance.
The Early Withdrawal Minors Education Assistance programme has effectively complemented existing government education initiatives while alleviating financial pressures on iTaukei families. Vasu noted, “It ensures that lease funds are used meaningfully to meet essential, immediate educational needs, helps to avoid school dropouts, and demonstrates the Board’s commitment to supporting the education of our children.”
He further pointed out that education is a vital component of Fiji’s long-term socio-economic growth, underlining the Board’s ongoing commitment to providing iTaukei children with the opportunities they need to thrive in their educational endeavors. This initiative not only reflects a proactive approach to addressing educational barriers but also fosters a positive outlook for future generations in Fiji.
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