Saint Thomas Primary School has been providing lunches for 107 students whose parents have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head teacher, Waisake Eceece, said the Lautoka-based school assisted those who came forward with requests; however, many students were silent about their families’ struggles.

Students are divided into three groups. Some students are fed everyday for five days and some fortnightly.

“Most are badly affected by this COVID-19 pandemic because their parents have been laid off or terminated from their place of work like hotels or companies and till today we still receive termination letters from parents in need transport assistance from the ministry and this is one of the requirements,” he said.

“Every day there are still children out there, who come without lunch or some just bring rice, while some are given $2 and that’s divided for lunch and recess.”

He said he was grateful for non-government organisations such as the Circle of Friends for providing an additional 100 roti parcels and juice bottles for students.

“This is the first time they have come to the school and we are so blessed that they have the heart to help the students out of kindness,” he said.

Circle of Friends member Seena Raju said: “Students were happy when we gave them lunch, you can see some are shy, but most, are happy and we have to thank our main sponsor Irshad Khan residing in Melbourne, Australia because so many students have been assisted,” she said

“If any schools approach us then we will go, but our next project will be a school in Nagado next week.”

The group has assisted Mulomulo Muslim Primary School, Wairebetia Primary School, Ratu Saimoni Public School and Vuniyasi District School

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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