As the new school year kicks off today, the Ministry of Education is anticipating an 85 per cent turn out and attendance from students around Fiji.

Minister for Education Rosy Akbar said: “We were already challenged by COVID-19 and the impact that TC Yasa brought to us was very traumatic as well. After TC Yasa we had to count upon our government and bilateral partners to see how swiftly we would recover from the damage that TC Yasa had brought upon us.”

She thanked the Australian government and members of the Australian Defence Force for coordinating assistance in a very short time.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes said: “The Australian Government has been working closely with the Ministry of Education to support the opening of schools in time for the school year.

“HMAS Adelaide’s aerial support has proven invaluable when required to move supplies in too hard to reach locations. “Australia will continue to provide support to recover from TC Yasa to Fiji when schools reopen through our development programme.”

Ms Akbar said: “The lessons learnt from TC Winston guided us with our rehabilitation efforts and I can proudly say that schools are ready for our 196,000 students who will be making their way.”

She added that the ministry aimed to get children out of the temporary learning centres (tents) within the next six weeks.

In addition Ms Akbar confirmed that the eTransport cards for close to 80,000 students had been topped up under the ministry’s transport assistance scheme.

Parents are advised to redeem their children’s cards as there is no need to queue up at the education offices.

Students can tap their cards on the buses or any Vodafone outlet to redeem the balance.

The 163 helpline is available for those requiring further assistance about the same.

Students needing assistance can reapply when school starts.

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