Parents, Guardians Prep Now To Avoid Back to School Rush
“Whatever money is given for your children, spend it on your children rather than buying unnecessary things like grog, beer and your own clothes. Your children come last when you should be putting them first,” she said.
Friday 29 December 2023 | 11:38
Miri Kelevi (right), with her children, Elizabeth Kelevi and Caleb Benjamin, during the back to school shopping in Suva on December 28, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Prepare now. Don’t wait for the rush.
That’s the general feedback from parents and guardians who have already started their back to school for the children.
In Labasa, Mereia Misila was out with her granddaughter, Tamari Matairi, yesterday helping her try on her a new uniform at Labasa Janta Store.
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Tamari will be in Year 3 in the new year and will be attending Yadua Village School.
Ms Misila said: “My son is a teacher at Yadua Village School and he wanted to get his daughter’s school shopping done before he returns to the island since things are easily available in Labasa.
“We don’t want to leave everything in the last minute or wait for Government to release the back-to-school assistance,” she said.
In Suva
In Suva, Miri Kelevi was with her two youngest children in the Capital yesterday.
“I have five children. Three of which have already been married, the fourth child is moving up to Year 11 and my last son is going to be in year 10,” she said.
“This falls in line with the teachings of our church which is to prioritise our children’s education.”
Ms Kelevi is counting on the $200 back-to-school assistance from the Government to buy her children’s uniforms and sandals.
To the parents, she said: “Set your priorities, let’s forget about the parties, the drinking and having fun and let’s think smartly.”.”
In the West
In Nadi, Lilieta Tinai was at Meenoos Store with her daughter and niece.
Yesterday, the retail chain began setting up its store with the back to school theme.
Ms Tinai said preparing now for back to school was important for her budget.
“A few days before school starts, it is always busy in the shops and the prices of school items go up,” she said.
From left: Senimili Marama, Lilieta Tinai and her daughter Lilieta Nanisi and Saunalotu Onisimo at Meenoos Store in Nadi on December 28, 2023. Photo: Mereleki Nai
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