A father of seven yesterday joyfully acknowledged the Government for their assistance in helping send four of his children back to school.

The siblings started school last week at Vunayasi District School in Dratabu Village after an assistance and directive from the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa.

A team from the Fiji Sun visited the 53-year-old part-time carpenter, Pita Volavola, at his home in Nakolia Settlement, Nawaka, Nadi. This was after a concerned neighbour raised the plight of his family’s welfare.

Mr Volavola said that the income he receives was not enough to meet his family’s daily expenses, especially when sending his children to school.

Mr Volavola said: “Last year we moved from Nawaicoba to Nakolia Settlement and the house we are renting has no access to water, electricity or proper sanitation.

“We draw water from our neighbour and also I dug a pit toilet at the back of the house for us to use.

“After we moved here, I could not send my children to Vunayasi District School because of financial difficulties,” he said.

According to a neighbour, some of the Volavola siblings had been working at another neighbours’ compound, doing small chores to earn some money.

Mr Volavola thanked the Fiji Sun and Minister Vuniwaqa who acted swiftly after being contacted concerning the matter.

She ordered a team from the Nadi Social Welfare office to assess and respond with full accord.

The Volavola family was contacted later on and said they were grateful and acknowledged the ministry for acting to help them.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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