Many children in Fiji still face hunger and lack essential resources for their education, as revealed by Nirmala Nambiar, executive coordinator of the Foundation for the Education of the Needy Children in Fiji. She highlighted that financial hardship prevents some families from providing daily meals for their children, causing serious implications in a learning environment.
In a village located in Naitasiri, local mothers have proactively established a community kitchen to ensure that no child goes to school without food. The initiative facilitates meal preparation at school, providing kids with lunches and sometimes breakfast. Nambiar emphasized the importance of such efforts, stating that ensuring children receive proper nutrition is crucial for their concentration in class, enabling them to focus on their education rather than their hunger.
Beyond food insecurity, Nambiar noted that children also struggle with basic needs, such as school uniforms. Many students are observed without adequate clothing, increasing their vulnerability. “We often encounter students who don’t have proper uniforms, and many have lost their homes due to natural disasters,” she explained, revealing the multiple layers of adversity affecting these children. The organization actively supports these students by providing uniforms, backpacks, and other essential items.
Despite government efforts like the $200 back-to-school assistance, which aims to alleviate educational costs, Nambiar pointed out that some of this aid does not directly benefit children’s education. Many families, compelled by poverty, redirect assistance funds to cover more immediate needs like food and bills. This realization emphasizes a vital need for a reassessment of financial assistance policies to truly support children’s education.
The challenges these students face were echoed by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, who acknowledged that barriers persist even with free educational resources. Singh stated that many children still struggle with transportation, uniforms, and access to essential technology and sanitation facilities at schools, illustrating the systemic issues contributing to educational inequality.
According to a report by the Pacific Community, the economic changes, especially in the sugar industry, further exacerbate the difficulties families encounter in supporting their children’s education. Efforts by organizations like the Foundation for the Education of the Needy Children in Fiji (FENC) have been pivotal, as they have provided assistance to over 40,000 children across the nation, including remote areas.
This ongoing support reflects a commitment to standing by these families and ensuring that children have a fair chance at education, despite the overwhelming challenges. The resilience displayed by community members and organizations establishes hope for a future where every child in Fiji has access to the educational resources they need to succeed. By fostering collaborative efforts among government bodies, non-profits, and local communities, it is possible to bridge the gaps in access and create a more equitable educational landscape.