Frustration is mounting among parents and guardians at the Ministry of Education office in Labasa due to inadequate service delivery and significant delays surrounding the $200 Back-to-School Assistance. Many parents, having traveled long distances from places such as Kia Island and various parts of Bua Province, arrived early in hopes of receiving this critical assistance but were turned away.
Alumita Bola, a concerned guardian, expressed her disappointment, stating that numerous parents were instructed to confirm their details with schools, forcing them to incur additional travel costs back to their villages. “It is really sad to see parents travelling long distances with their children just to be turned away,” she remarked. Bola explained that her family, among others, filled out the necessary forms last week, only to hear today that there was no update from Suva, leaving them feeling frustrated and discouraged.
The situation is particularly concerning as parents in rural areas are facing last-minute pressures to secure financial support, while those residing in urban centers have already received their grants. The timing is critical, with the new school year set to commence soon, elevating the urgency for those still awaiting assistance.
Attempts to gain official comments from the Ministry of Education office in Labasa regarding these issues were unsuccessful, leaving parents anxious and uncertain about the school’s financial aid that they rely on for their children’s education. This scenario highlights the challenges many families face as they seek support essential for their children’s educational journeys.
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