From farm to market: A mother’s commitment to her children’s future

Mereoni Solei, from Naqarawai Village in Namosi, says farming has played a vital role in supporting and shaping the education of her three children.

Solei says the government's assistance is meant to complement parents' efforts to support their children’s education as they prepare for the new school year.

The 49-year-old says she travels to Suva every Sunday to sell her produce along Grantham Road which includes cassava, banana, dalo and other vegetables.

She says they leave their village at 1am and arrive in Suva by 4 in the morning.

Meanwhile, Timoci Nadukeva a market vendor for the past 10 years says although none of his children are currently studying, he supports the education of his grandchildren.

Nadukeva lives in Muanivatu Settlement in Vatuwaqa.

Nadukeva says he has 12 grandchildren, and even before receiving the $200 Back-to-School grant payment, he had already purchased school stationery for them.

The 65-year-old is encouraging parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s education and to strive to provide the best for them.