Incomplete forms block aid for needy students

Parents wanting assistance from the Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji must provide complete documentation when applications open for next year.

FENC Fiji's National Executive Coordinator, Nirmala Nambiar, said proper documentation is crucial for approval.

"We are more than open for parents to check back with us how they filled the forms," Ms Nambiar said.

Required documents include photocopies of the child's birth certificate, most recent school report, and a school enrollment letter signed by the head teacher.

Parents must provide income verification such as wage slips from any employed family member or total weekly family income if self-employed.

Social Welfare recipients need proof of assistance received, while families affected by disasters must provide police reports.

"Parents need to be honest when they fill in the application, give the true picture of the child, their family status, their vulnerability," Ms Nambiar said.

Applications must be signed by parents or guardians and include proof of the child's home address, tax identification number and birth certificate registration number.

The foundation targets families earning $100 or less weekly and prioritizes vulnerable children including those with disabled parents, single-parent households, children in guardian care, and families affected by natural disasters.

Parents can contact FENC Fiji on 9928669 for assistance with applications.

This year, more than 40 per cent of applications were rejected due to incomplete documentation or missing attachments.

The foundation provides backpacks, stationery and learning materials worth approximately $100 per approved student.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj