Nineteen children from the Cunningham Stage 4 community in Suva will be able to return to school this year thanks to the efforts of youths.

These youths raised funds and organise a barber drive to purchase school essentials for struggling families.

The barber drive took place on December 27, 2021.

Organiser Enele Ma’afu, a resident of Cunnigham Stage 4, with his group of barbers, had offered to cut people’s hair in return for cash, stationary packs and school kits that would benefit 19 students from the community.

According to the 24-year-old, an investment in education is an investment to break the cycle of poverty, drug addictions and early school dropouts.

“We collected $750 in cash, two people provided two sets of stationeries for the 19 students, one provided a backpack and a pair of sandals. One man from New Zealand paid for the 19 sets of sandals and school bags,” he said.

“We met with the 19 children last night (Monday night) and informed them about what we have collected for them.

“I hope we are inspiring other youths to do the same in their communities.”

He said they were assisting students from Year One to Year 13.

“Some of the children here in Cunningham Stage 4, because their parents are struggling financially with providing for their school stuff, they are left to look for work to support the family and there goes their education,” he said.

“We’re just changing mindsets and we hope to assist families in any way we could to keep their children at school.”

He said the sandals, school bags and stationeries would be handed over to students throughout this week.

Feedback:  inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj