FENC Fiji calls for stronger support for needy children

A non-governmental organisation is calling for strengthened support systems to ensure underprivileged children do not remain trapped in long term poverty due to lack of educational resources.

Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji (FENC) says more coordinated support ws needed to prevent vulnerable children from remaining in the cycle of poverty.

FENC Fiji’s national executive coordinator, Nirmala Nambiar said many families still struggled to meet the basic costs of education, despite initiatives such as the $200 Back-to-School Support programme from Government.

She said the organisation’s role was to bridge those gaps faced by families experiencing hardship.

“There are children who need support even before they enter school,” Ms Nambiar said. “Poverty continues a cycle and our work is helping children break out of that cycle.”

She said their gala night event organised in Labasa last Saturday focused on raising funds to assist children with uniforms, stationery, transport costs and access to safe learning spaces.

“We do not want people to continue the poverty cycle,” she said.

She added that FENC Fiji works not only with children but also with parents facing difficult circumstances.

“Single parents and women suffering from domestic violence come to us,” she said. “We also support families and children living with disabilities.”

She highlighted that while Government assistance is appreciated, it often falls short of meeting actual school needs.

“The $200 assistance is not enough,” she said. “Families use it for food, bills and daily survival before school even starts.”

She said the goal was to ensure every child is equipped to succeed.

“We want every child to be educated and become effective members of the community,” she added.

Meanwhile, this afternoon, the Government announced that applications for the $200 Back-to-School Support Programme will open tomorrow, with $40 million allocated to assist eligible families for the 2026 school year.

Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel, said parents and guardians can begin applying from tomorrow, November 11, with applications closing on December 12.