Back-to-school assistance a lifeline for working father

As families across Fiji prepare for the 2026 school year, the government’s $200 back-to-school assistance is proving to be a lifeline for working parents struggling to meet rising costs.

For Mukesh Kumar, a 57-year-old upholsterer, the assistance offers much-needed relief.

A father of three, Mr Kumar has already begun buying school supplies with the limited income his family has, carefully spreading out expenses while waiting for the assistance to be released this Friday.

“We started saving from last year,” Mr Kumar said.

“We bought some things already, but some are still left. We are just going around looking at the prices.”

With two of his children currently attending school, Mr Kumar said the most expensive items, shoes and school bags are still pending.

“When the $200 comes, we will use it to buy what is left,” he said.

“Shoes and bags are very expensive now.”

Mr Kumar is the sole income earner in the household, while his wife is a full-time homemaker. He said budgeting and early saving were the only ways the family could prepare for the new school year.

One of his children, Iskika Kumar, will be in Year 13 at Jay Narayan College in Suva this year. She said she understands the pressure her parents face.

“My parents work very hard for us,” she said. “I try my best in school because I know they are sacrificing a lot.”

As shops grow busier ahead of the school reopening, Mr Kumar said the assistance helps ease the stress many parents feel.

“This support means our children can start school properly,” he said. “Without it, it would be very hard.”

With back-to-school preparations underway nationwide, families like the Kumars continue to rely on careful planning and government support to ensure their children are ready for the year ahead.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj