FCOSS urges government to consider education vouchers for back-to-school assistance

The government should consider issuing education vouchers instead of cash for back-to-school assistance to prevent misuse and ensure the support benefits children as intended.

Speaking to fijivillage News folowing public concerns on the misuse of the back to school grant, Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Vani Catanasiga says FCOSS has consistently monitored how the assistance is accessed and used, and has in the past identified cases where funds were misused by some parents and carers.

Catanasiga says FCOSS has previously recommended that education vouchers, redeemable only for school-related items, would reduce the risk of abuse and ensure the assistance is spent on children’s educational needs.

She adds that FCOSS had raised the proposal with the Minister of Finance in the past, noting that while most parents use the assistance responsibly, a small number risk undermining the programme.

Insert: Refrain from misusing education grant Jan 13 

The $200 back-to-school assistance is scheduled to be released on Friday, with $40 million allocated for the programme in the 2025–2026 National Budget.