The $200 Back to School Support program is set to continue, with a recent announcement from Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel revealing that $40 million has been allocated for the upcoming academic year. This initiative, introduced three years ago, aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families and ensure that children are adequately prepared for the start of the school year.
Over the past three years, the Fijian Government has committed a total of $180 million to support families during this period. In 2023 alone, the program successfully provided assistance to over 223,000 students, totaling $44.7 million, while in 2024, it reached around 212,000 students with $42.5 million in support. The following year, the initiative assisted 213,000 students, amounting to $42.7 million.
Eligible families, particularly those with a combined income below $50,000, can apply for this support, which is intended to cover essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro also mentioned that the application process has been streamlined, ensuring that families can apply in comfortable terms, even as the forms now allow for greater privacy concerning personal information.
Applications for the financial assistance will be available at schools and also downloadable from the websites of the Education and Finance Ministries. Families in maritime areas have the convenience of collecting their funds through Telegraphic Money Order (TMO) at Post Offices. Importantly, the government will cover all service fees, ensuring that families receive the full benefit of the $200 assistance.
As the new academic year approaches, the program represents not just a financial relief for families but also demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing educational accessibility and ensuring that students have the resources they need for a successful year ahead. This initiative serves as a hopeful and positive sign for many Fijian families, reinforcing the belief that education is a priority and a pathway to brighter futures for children across the nation.