For 64-year-old Semantafa Kafoa Mosese of Hapmak, Rotuma, life has been made a little easier through the support of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection’s social welfare allowance.
With a grateful heart, Ms Mosese said she applied for the assistance in 2018 after a government team visited her village. Since then, she has been receiving monthly support, which recently increased from $85 to $92 for her.
“At first, I felt ashamed, but they explained that the support was for everyone especially those without husband or family and so I applied,” she said.
Previously, Ms Mosese earned money by selling cooked fish and cassava to support herself. However, with the support from welfare and the care of her nephew and other family members, she no longer needs to fish and sell.
“The welfare money really helps me in paying my water, electricity bills and in buying food items like tea because in Rotuma, we don’t need to spend much on food and now, I am a member of hostel board so I don’t get time to go and fish.
“I really thank the Fiji Government because I never expected that I can get money like this because I don’t have a husband and any children. It is really helpful.”