Hina Toantabuariki, a mother of six, illustrates the complexities of the back-to-school season, which extends beyond merely purchasing uniforms and books. It embodies a period filled with meticulous planning, financial challenges, and a deep-seated hope for her children’s futures.
With five of her children enrolled in school, Ms. Toantabuariki faces an uphill battle in preparing them for the year ahead, particularly after her eldest son, 18, made the heart-wrenching decision to leave school to contribute financially to the family. He expressed to his father a desire to work rather than continue his studies, motivated by their current financial situation.
The family’s finances are strained, partly due to her husband’s difficulties in securing stable employment as a citizen of Kiribati. Thus, they rely on modest wages from food-related jobs and government assistance to make ends meet. “My son recognizes the challenges his father faces due to his citizenship. That’s why he chose to support the family financially,” Ms. Toantabuariki shared.
Every year, the rising costs associated with back-to-school shopping put additional pressure on families like hers. Having learned from experience, Ms. Toantabuariki focuses her spending on fewer but higher-quality items, believing that it’s more cost-effective to invest in durable goods than to repeatedly replace cheaper options.
She highlighted the special stress surrounding uniform shopping. “If you don’t go early in the morning, you risk long queues and having to endure the heat outside,” she explained. To streamline the shopping process, she chooses to buy uniforms from Hare Ram Traders, where she finds reliable sizing and accessibility, which is crucial during the busy season.
Managing the shopping trip for six children can be overwhelming. As a strategy, she often takes her eldest child with her to help organize the shopping list methodically. When selecting shoes, she cleverly traces each child’s foot on cardboard, ensuring an accurate size check while minimizing the stress of bringing all the children along.
Ms. Toantabuariki’s commitment to her children’s education remains unwavering. She emphasizes that education is the pathway to a better future, often reminding them of the sacrifices being made for their schooling. “The only way to move forward and have a better life is through education. That’s why staying in school is vital,” she asserts.
Despite the challenges they face, there is a beacon of hope within the family’s struggle, rooted in the belief that perseverance and education will lead to brighter opportunities ahead for her children.
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