The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has officially reaffirmed its dedication to supporting iTaukei students, highlighting that 2,356 students have already benefited from their Early Withdrawal Minors Education Assistance programme at the beginning of this year. The initiative serves as a vital resource for families during a challenging time, according to Minister for iTaukei Affairs and Chairman of the TLTB Board of Trustees, Ifereimi Vasu.
Notably, throughout the academic years of 2024, 2025, and 2026, a total of 10,025 students have utilized this supportive scheme. Introduced in 2024, the programme enables families to withdraw a portion of minors’ lease funds to cover urgent educational expenses, particularly in primary and secondary education. The remaining funds from the lease are then invested until the child turns 18.
Vasu emphasized that the programme was established to assist families that often struggle to access necessary funds on time, thereby reducing the risk of children dropping out of school. “This initiative was introduced to ensure that support is provided at the time our children actually need it,” he stated, underscoring the initiative’s responsiveness to the immediate educational needs of iTaukei families.
The Early Withdrawal Minors Education Assistance programme has proven to be effective in supplementing governmental educational efforts and alleviating financial burdens for iTaukei households. Vasu remarked that the scheme ensures that lease funds are utilized in a meaningful way to address essential educational needs, ultimately contributing to the reduction of school dropout rates.
Furthermore, Vasu reiterated that education is a fundamental pillar of Fiji’s long-term socio-economic development, expressing the Board’s steadfast commitment to providing iTaukei children with ample opportunities to achieve success. With this initiative, the TLTB aims to bolster the educational journey of young iTaukei, paving the way for future generations to thrive.