Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, announced the successful distribution of Back-to-School Support payments for the 2025 school year, which has been expedited to provide families with financial assistance ahead of the initially scheduled date of January 15. This proactive measure offers families an additional two and a half weeks to prepare for the new academic year starting on January 27, 2025.

A total of 208,673 applications were received for this initiative, with 200,176 successfully processed, leading to a substantial payout totaling $40.4 million. However, 8,313 applications are currently on hold as they await Year-12 exam results, which are necessary for students to officially enroll in Year 13.

The support, amounting to $200 per child, aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with essential school expenses such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery. Parents and guardians can access these funds through platforms like MPAiSA and MyCASH, or collect them at Post Fiji outlets, particularly for families in maritime areas.

This Back-to-School Support initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Coalition Government to assist families, especially those with household incomes below $50,000. Historically, this program has benefited around 200,000 students annually, with an overall investment of approximately $130 million in educational assistance each year.

The timely rollout of this financial aid not only provides crucial relief to families facing back-to-school costs but also emphasizes the government’s dedication to fostering educational readiness. This initiative serves as a hopeful signal for families, ensuring that children are equipped with the necessary resources as they embark on a promising new academic year. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education also extend their gratitude to all school heads, teachers, and parents for their cooperation throughout the application process, reinforcing the importance of community collaboration in supporting education.

In summary, the early disbursement of Back-to-School Support not only alleviates immediate financial pressures but illustrates a continuous commitment to enhancing accessibility and readiness in education, paving the way for a brighter future for students and their families.