Parents and children in some squatter settlements around the greater Suva area have been provided with school essentials as children continue into the third week of the new academic year.
Families in informal settlements at Jittu estate as well as in Wailea and Nanuku in Vatuwaqa received packages which include books, pens, crayons, book covers and bags with water bottles to motivate students and to assist parents in ensuring that their children are prepared well to continue their studies.
A total of 124 children were assisted after the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation scoped through some informal settlements to find students who were staying back home because they did not have adequate school supplies.
The recipients were identified by the heads of the settlements and a social welfare officer.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa believes that assisting these needy children is one of the best investments a government can make.
Vuniwaqa also highlighted to the children of the families assisted that taking responsibility of their education means respecting and listening to their parents, guardians and teachers and ensuring that they go to school every day.
