203,942 students assisted with a total payout of $40.8 million under the $200 back to school support

The Ministry of Finance has so far assisted 203,942 students with a total payout of $40.8 million under the $200 back to school support.

The Permanent Secretary for Finance Shiri Gounder says positive sentiments have been shared by the business community who have reported a strong pick up in their sales.

Gounder says while this assistance has supported thousands of families to prepare their children to get back to school, the injection of over $40 million just within a week has also induced a major pick up in business activity.

He is urging parents to use the funds responsibly to purchase school related items and ensure that students are properly equipped before school starts in February.

Parents can withdraw the funds at any Vodafone or Digicel outlet or purchase items at registered retail outlets accepting mPAISA or MYCASH payments. For parents that had opted for payment through Post Fiji, they can visit the nearest postal outlet to access their funds.