When COVID-19 hit the country, Abdul Saheem Sahib lost his job of 18 years as a sales assistant at a varieties shop based in Lautoka.

He was the sole bread winner of his family and was content that in normal times, his wages were enough to cater for the needs of his family.

He worked at Traffic One Stop Shop.

When he previously had his job, Mr Sahib had no worries when it came to school shopping for his two children, Ayman and Abdul Azhal Sahib.

“This time around it is very hard,” said Mr Sahib.

The family began their school shopping at the Post Fiji outlet in Lautoka yesterday.

Ayman will be going to Year Six at Drasa Primary School while Abdul will be going onto his final year at Drasa Secondary School.

“Before when I had my job, everything was easy, we were managing but now going without a job is very difficult.”

Mr Sahib and his family have opted to do farming and sell vegetables at times to earn some income.

He is grateful to receive some support from family members overseas.

Feedback:  nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj