5,780 students set to receive FENC Fiji back to school assistance

The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji has approved 5,780 applications for school assistance out of 11,605 received, with distribution set to begin next week Tuesday.

FENC Fiji's National Executive Coordinator, Nirmala Nambiar, said more than 40 per cent of applications were rejected due to incomplete documentation.

"Most of these applications came with no attachments. Parents have got no earning ability, the income levels are high," Ms Nambiar said at a press conference on Friday.

She said the main issues included missing birth certificates, lack of school confirmation letters, and no proof of income.

"Some just came with a single application with no attachments, and we can't be accountable for something like that," she said.

The foundation targets families earning $100 or less per week and requires applicants to provide birth certificates, school letters, and income evidence.

Ms Nambiar said some applications were not signed by parents or guardians, making them invalid.

"Without them signing, how do we know that child's parents have filled in the application?" she said.

Last year, FENC Fiji supported over 7,000 students, but this year's approved numbers decreased despite receiving more applications.

Distribution will be conducted through the Ministry for Rural and Maritime Development's district offices by division – Eastern, Northern, Western, then Central.

Parents will receive calls from district offices with collection details.

Each approved student will receive a backpack with stationery, exercise books, and mathematical sets or calculators based on their year level, from early childhood education to Form 7.

The foundation operates with a $300,000 government grant and also runs three learning centres providing after-school tutoring for vulnerable children.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj