The last minute rush to get school supplies and uniforms ready for school is always part and parcel of getting ready for a new school year.

CK’s Suva Bargain Centre Manager Jitesh Patel says that this is the first time they have experienced a large crowd on a Sunday as some parents came into the shop this morning.

Patel says that they have had families come from as far as Naililili, Naitasiri, Suva, Korovou and Navua to grab the last few things they need.

He adds that majority of the people that were shopping today were families that are being assisted through vouchers from Foundation for the Education of Needy Children Fiji.

Speaking to Fijivillage, FENC Fiji national co‑ordinator John Tuiono says that they have distributed a total of 1,400 vouchers to families in and around the Suva area.

He adds that vouchers will include, 2 pairs of uniforms, sandals, a school bag and stationery.

Last year a total of 1,242 students were assisted with school essentials by the Foundation.

The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children Fiji has confirmed that it has received a sudden spike for 2018 having registered 3,200 applications from different municipalities that are being assisted ahead of the start of school tomorrow.