A distribution solution on the government's bus fare assistance program needs to be found now.
Those were the words of Fiji Teacher's Union (FTU), General Secretary Agni Deo Singh who said while this assistance is temporary and brings relief to families, something needs to be done so that teachers teaching times are not affected.
Some schools who Fijivillage spoke to said the distribution of money to the students was a daunting task, time consuming and ate into their teaching hours as after the cheque is given, it needs to be cashed with a lot of small change, then it must be divided per student per stage and then handed out.
Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Lt. Colonel Pio Tikoduauda said they have held their first meeting yesterday and are trying to find solutions.
Meanwhile, Tikoduadua said in light of concerns from some school heads on keeping large sums of money on the school premises, Tikoduadua said they must stop thinking of themselves and think of the children's needs.
Tikoduadua added schools will be held accountable for the money given to them for the bus fares.
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FTU calls for quicker fare distribution