Heads of Schools have money and savings in the Free Education Grant which they can access to feed students

Education Minister Rosy Akbar says that she has asked the heads of schools to ensure that no child is unfed in school as they have money and savings in the Free Education Grant which they can access.

Akbar highlighted this when questioned by SODELPA MP Ro Teimumu Kepa to provide an update on the $20 million Bus Fare Assistance provided in the 2019-2020 Budget.

The Minister says she had discussed with heads of schools how it would impact the teachers should they provide lunches to the students.

She says NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad has issued releases on her statements regarding lunches for students, and she is grateful to the institutions and organizations who are currently providing lunches.

Akbar says Prasad had also called her a misguided missile in one of his releases. She says she is happy that Prasad called her a missile but she is definitely not misguided.

Akbar says she does not agree with Prasad and his statements and she does not know what he has against her.

She says they have not stopped any generous individual who is wanting to come on board and help.

Akbar also highlighted that the $20 million Bus Fare Assistance provided in the 2019-2020 Budget provided assistance to 92,162 students.

She says this includes 63,096 primary school students and 29,066 secondary students.

The Minister says more students are eligible now for transport assistance, and there has been an increase of 9,435 now assisted for e ticking cards compared to term 1 of this year.

She says 10,538 more students are eligible after the impact of COVID-19.

Akbar says out of the $20 million allocated, $4 million was not utilized due to the school closure cause by COVID-19. She says they have had many cases of students losing their subsidized cards. The first replacement is free while the subsequent lost cards cost $5 to replace.

Akbar says many cases of children losing their blue cards to play truant or non-school related travel has been identified.

She says many parents and adults try to cheat the system by using the blue cards during school hours.

The Minister says they have also found adults painting the blue cards red and in response they have taken measures and have limited the ability to use the blue card to school hours only.

Akbar says all students whose parents combined income or salary of $16,000 or below are eligible to apply for this assistance.