The Education Ministry is urging parents and guardians to refrain from misusing the $200 back-to-school assistance meant for their children’s educational needs. Recently, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted concerns about some parents using this grant for personal expenses rather than purchasing essential school supplies for their kids.
During a recent visit to Vanuabalavu, Radrodro pointed out that this issue often arises when parents send their children to live with relatives, such as grandparents in villages, while failing to ensure that the grant is utilized correctly. One specific case was cited where a mother in Suva filled out the necessary forms for the financial assistance but ended up using the funds for her own needs instead of sending school materials to her children.
Radrodro emphasized that this financial aid is designed to help families adequately prepare their children for school, and he urged parents, particularly single mothers, to act responsibly. “We want to advise people here, especially those whose grandchildren attend schools on Viti Levu, to refrain from asking their children to send grandchildren to live with them in the village,” he said, indicating the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that funds go directly to educational needs.
In addition to addressing misuse of funds, other issues affecting the education system were discussed, such as insufficient teachers’ quarters and teachers moving to different schools without notifying the ministry.
This call for responsible use of back-to-school assistance resonates with previous statements made by Radrodro and Finance Minister Biman Prasad, who have both highlighted the importance of this support in light of rising living costs and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government aims to assist around 200,000 students annually, costing approximately $130 million, with an emphasis on helping families with lower incomes.
As the new school year approaches, the government’s focus on ensuring that financial aid is used appropriately is crucial for fostering educational readiness among students, reinforcing a hopeful outlook for families striving to provide their children with necessary resources for academic success.
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