The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji, known as FENC Fiji, has launched its Child Education Support Scheme to provide essential school supplies to children from vulnerable backgrounds. This initiative aims to support families who struggle with the financial burden of education-related costs. According to National Executive Coordinator Nirmala Nambiar, all eligible children are encouraged to apply for assistance, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to education.
FENC Fiji is collaborating with the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development to distribute application forms via district offices, indicating a coordinated effort to reach all parts of the country. This year, demand for the program is expected to surpass last year’s support to over 7,000 children. The application window for the scheme opens today and will run for six weeks until November 8th.
Since its inception in 2009, FENC Fiji has supported over 39,000 children, with funding from both the Fijian government and private donors amounting to approximately $300,000 annually. This extensive support underscores the foundation’s central role in addressing educational inequities and supporting children’s academic pursuits.
FENC Fiji’s ongoing efforts are vital in addressing the socio-economic barriers preventing children from accessing quality education. By ensuring access to essential educational materials, the foundation not only helps students stay in school but also alleviates some of the financial pressures on families, promising a more hopeful future for Fiji’s youth.
The Child Education Support Scheme represents a crucial opportunity to foster educational access and success among Fiji’s underserved communities, paving the way for lasting positive change.