Over 1,000 to get FENC scholarships

More than 1,000 students around the country will start receiving much needed assistance from this morning.

National Co-ordinator for Foundation for the Education of Needy Children or FENC (pronounced FANS), Irshad Ali said these poor students will be assisted through, school fees, stationery, uniform and school books to ensure they do not drop out of school.

Ali said in a survey carried out by the Foundation, it was revealed that many students drop out after attending Class Four due to poverty.

Also, the Fiji Government has provided $200,000 for the Foundation.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, who launched the foundation last Saturday, said poverty is a problem in the country and the setting up of the Foundation is in line with the People's Charter for Change which will see the disadvantaged in society receiving help.

The 1,011 students will be given scholarships by FENC this year and will start receiving the assistance in the form of school fees etc from today.