Parents who wish to apply for the recently announced back-to-school Government initiative have until Friday next week to do so.

Applications for guardians will be open at a later date.

A statement released by the Government said that applications for guardians will be announced in due course along with the amendments to the application form.

The practice of which, is meant to avoid repetition of application done by parents and guardians applying for the same child twice.

Key Briefs:
• Applications for the $200 Back-to-School support is currently available to parents only
• Parents of students attending private school may apply as well, provided the annual gross parental income is below $50,000.
• Students who are yet to be enrolled in a new school (year 8 moving to year 9) can apply for the initiative at their old school.
• Deadline for application is January 20, 2023.
• Forms are available on the Ministry website and at the schools.

PM hits back

The provision of a back-to-school initiative of $200 has been labelled by some critics of the Coalition Government as freebies.

While responding to these critics, the Prime Minister and head of the Coalition Government said the initiative was introduced to help families who may be facing financial constraints.

“They’re all freebies because they come free from Government but it’s a necessity this time, people still recovering from the effects of COVID and effects of COVID on employment, the downturn of economy we have suffered,” Mr Rabuka said.

“A lot of people have difficulties and will need help and best time to assist them is at the beginning of school year.”

Mr Rabuka said this would ease the minds of parents and allow them to concentrate in putting their children to school.

Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj