Concerns have been raised over delays in the distribution of menstrual hygiene vouchers and reduced funding for the programme, with warnings that girls could miss school if they do not receive sanitary products on time.
This was raised by Opposition MP Premila Kumar during the Committee of Supply debate on the Education Ministry's 2026/2027 Budget, where she questioned the reduction in funding for the Menstrual Hygiene Management Programme.
Kumar says students have told her they have been waiting for menstrual hygiene vouchers, but they have not been issued on time, adding the programme was introduced to ensure no girl misses school because she cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, while also promoting dignity, improving school attendance and reducing stigma.
Insert:Kumar on funding 16th july
In response, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Finance to make the vouchers available at more outlets instead of the limited number currently participating, while also improving the utilisation of the allocated funds.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Vijay Nath questioned the reduction in the grant allocation for Pacific Polytech to which Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says allocations for higher education institutions under Programme 8 are based on the grant formula used by the Higher Education Commission.
He says the formula takes into account information provided by each institution, including student enrolment, the number of graduates and the number of graduates who are employable.
Kumar also questioned the level of Government assistance provided to students attending non-government boarding schools, stressing that children attending non-government boarding schools should not receive less Government support simply because of the type of school they attend.
Radrodro responds that the boarding per capita grant is provided to students in 40 operational registered non-government boarding secondary schools.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate also questioned the $1 million allocation for the Moodle Learning Management System.
In response, Radrodro says the allocation is for the rollout of the Moodle Programme following its pilot during the 2025/2026 financial year.
He says the programme will be implemented in 11 secondary schools, including Queen Victoria School, Adi Cakobau School, Sila Central High School, Suva Grammar School, Nasinu Secondary School, Natabua High School, Ratu Kadavulevu School, St Joseph's Secondary School, Lelean Memorial School and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.
