Repeka Nasiko
12 January, 2021, 8:00 pm
Some families affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa are more focused on rebuilding their homes than sending their children to school.
Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji national co-ordinator Priya Lata said this was the reality in the Northern Division where the NGO spent several weeks identifying students in need of school books and stationery.
“A large number of the poor families that we spoke to who were affected by TC Yasa are dedicating all of their money to rebuilding their homes,” she said.
“A lot of them want to build a structure they can live in before they can think about anything else.
ANISH CHAND
FTU general secretary, Agni Deo Singh. Picture: ATU RASEA/FT FILE
Fiji Teachers Union and Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam Fiji will provide stationery and school bags to 1600 students in the Dreketi and Seaqaqa areas next week.
This, after both organisations jointly agreed to spend $30,000 for the initiative.
FTU general secretary Agni Deo Singh said the partnership would allow them to pool and dedicate resources that were useful for addressing urgent needs of children in schools and areas impacted by STC Yasa.
TISI Sangam Fiji president Sadasiwan Naicker said they were happy to assist non-Sangam schools.
“We have our own schools to assess and assist in terms of food for students, books, bags and temporary studying facilities,” he said.
6,000 students in TC Yasa affected areas to be assisted with school bags and stationery
6,000 students in TC Yasa affected areas to be assisted with school bags and stationery
[Image: Ministry of Education]
6,000 students in TC Yasa affected areas will be assisted with school bags and stationery when they return for classes in this academic year.
This assistance will be coordinated by the Education Ministry in partnership with the Fiji Teachers Union, Fiji Muslim League, Sathya Sai Service Organisation of Fiji, Yaadein Vision, SODELPA, Forklift Fiji, UNICEF and TISI Sangam.
Education Minister, Rosy Akbar says the interest they continue to receive despite the current economic situation is overwhelming and is thankful to all organisations that have come forward to assist.