More families need help sending their children back to school – FENC

Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji has assisted more than 3,000 needy children this year alone, however, due to the impacts of TC Harold and COVID-19, they have received about 4,000 applications for help.

This was stated by Officer In Charge National Operations, Priya Preetika Lata, who says this number is expected to increase as more parents are facing a lot of difficulties in accommodating their children's meals, clothes, shoes and other school items.

Lata says some parents have been so badly affected by TC Harold and the impacts of COVID-19 that they may not be able to send their children back to school.

As school is expected to re-open on the 30th of this month, Lata says they will try their best to assist, however, this will also depend on donations.

She says due to the restrictions in place, they are not able to hold appeals to collect funds.

She says people who want help can make either cash donations or school supplies such as stationary, uniforms, shoes and school bags.

Lata adds the Foundation has always been dedicated to providing education materials for the needy children of Fiji as they firmly believe that education is the main tool that will assist in eradicating poverty.