Parents do not need to buy textbooks - Akbar

The Education Ministry stresses that parents, guardians and students do not need to purchase any textbooks for the 2019 academic year.

Some parents have raised concerns with Fijivillage about textbooks being listed on their children’s booklist given by the school despite the government already making it clear that textbooks are supplied free of charge to students.

Minister for Education Rosy Akbar has now made it clear that schools have been equipped with textbooks and parents, guardians and students do not need to purchase any textbooks for the 2019 academic year.

We have asked the Education Ministry why textbooks were listed on some booklists given by some schools as some parents have already bought those textbooks.

They are yet to respond.

The Education Ministry also says that all existing eligible primary and secondary students will continue to receive transport assistance this year.

These students will need to redeem their e-transport cards before school starts next Monday.

The funds loaded in the cards by the Education Ministry will only be activated when students redeem it at any outlet of Vodafone Fiji, Valuefone Fiji Ltd, Mr Mobile Fiji Ltd or a Point of Sale system inside a bus.

It can also be redeemed at any District Education Office or the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Waisomo House.

The Education Ministry says all new students especially Year 1 students who are eligible for assistance should apply for assistance at their respective schools.

All blue subsidised eTransport cards given by the Education Ministry will need to be redeemed before school starts next Monday.

People can call the toll free line 151 if they have any questions about the redeeming of subsidised eTransport cards provided by the Education Ministry.