The government has assured all students severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston that they will be provided with school kits as they return to classes.
Fijivillage has asked Education Minister Doctor Mahendra Reddy what is the plan for students who have lost their uniforms, school bags, books and all their stationary after Cyclone Winston.
We also asked Doctor Reddy what will be done for students who have lost everything and their parents cannot afford to give them school lunches.
Doctor Reddy said the Education Ministry will ensure that the students have all they need when they return to classes.
He said the Ministry is working with the NGOs and other groups to ensure that the students get back to their feet and return to school.
Doctor Reddy said those students who have lost their uniforms after the cyclone can wear any type of clothes that they have to go back to school.
He said UNICEF and other donors have started giving school bags and stationary to the affected students.
The Education Minister is calling on all NGOs that are providing school kits to give the data to the Ministry.
He said this will avoid duplication of supplies.
Doctor Reddy said they are also working with NGOs to ensure that groceries are provided to the affected families.
40 percent of the country’s population have been directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
This is according to latest statistics released by the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund or UNICEF.
The UN agency said an estimated 347,000 people, including 120,000 children, are directly impacted by the second‑strongest storm to ever make landfall.
