Eta Seruvatu from Nayawa Village in Sigatoka is encouraging parents to prioritize early shopping for back-to-school essentials, emphasizing the benefits of avoiding the congestion typically seen in town centers as the school year approaches. As she finalized her purchases this week, Ms. Seruvatu aimed to sidestep the usual rush that follows the distribution of the government’s $200 Back-to-School assistance.
She shared her thoughts on the benefits of shopping early, stating, “We know when the government assistance is out, there are a lot of people, and the town is very busy, especially for these bookshops. So this is a good time for us to do our back-to-school shopping, rather than waiting for the government assistance.”
While Ms. Seruvatu usually completes her shopping before the holidays begin, she is currently gathering the last few items needed for her children. She highlighted the importance of shopping well ahead of time, noting that waiting until the last minute can lead to increased prices, which can put pressure on family budgets.
“As parents, we should, rather than waiting for the last minute shopping, because I believe that is when the prices start increasing,” she said.
Living close to Sigatoka Town, she also expressed a community-minded perspective, hoping to leave resources available for those traveling from more remote areas during peak shopping times. “I prefer doing my shopping now, and giving a chance to those who come from afar, to do their shopping when school is about to start.”
Ms. Seruvatu’s call to action serves not only as a practical tip for parents but also fosters a sense of community support, highlighting the importance of planning ahead in both family and community contexts. This approach can alleviate the stress and financial strain often felt during back-to-school shopping, promoting a smoother transition into the new school year for families.
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