As the new academic year commences, families facing financial instability are receiving much-needed assistance to help cover school costs. The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children (FENC) is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to alleviate the financial burden associated with purchasing school supplies. To support this initiative, the Ministry has allocated $300,000 to FENC specifically for this purpose.
FENC has designated $100 for each student to cover the cost of essential stationery, targeting students from low-income households. Nirmala Nambiar, the National Executive Coordinator of FENC, noted that the foundation has already supported around 5,000 students, including those in remote islands and interior communities.
Nambiar emphasized the inadequacy of the existing financial support for school preparations. She stated, “You can’t prepare a child to go back to school for $200. If I go to a shop and buy three pairs of uniform and shoes, that $200 is not enough. We provide backpacks and books according to the class or form they fill in the application form.”
The program is designed to complement the assistance provided by the Ministry of Education, acknowledging that the $200 allocated by the Ministry may fall short of covering all necessary stationery for some families. FENC’s efforts focus on ensuring that children are well-prepared for school, aiming to ease the pressure on families navigating uncertain income situations.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting education accessibility and underscores the collaborative efforts between organizations to ensure that every child has the resources needed for a successful school year. The positive impact on families from this support can lead to improved educational outcomes, ultimately fostering a brighter future for the community.