For Mrs. Ulamila Buto Vosa of Delakado Village in Tailevu, life has not been easy. After losing her husband last year, she found herself as the sole provider for her six children.
With a small canteen and livestock farm to sustain her family, the thought of preparing her children for the new school year felt overwhelming.
But thanks to the Coalition Government’s $200 Back-to-School Initiative, Mrs. Vosa can breathe a little easier. The initiative, designed to help parents and guardians cover the costs of school essentials like uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery, has been a lifeline for families like hers.
“This support came just when we needed it most. This means my children can go to school prepared, and I can focus on keeping our household running. I’m truly thankful.”
“I would like to thank the Coalition government for providing such initiatives like this because it assists families like mine, especially being the sole breadwinner in the family and having to manage our family expenses.”
Her family’s story is one of hope and resilience; her eldest son is preparing to enrol at Lautoka Teachers College, a significant milestone that makes her proud. Meanwhile, her younger children are ready to tackle another year of primary and secondary school, armed with everything they need to succeed.
Mrs. Vosa’s family is one of the 200,176 successful applicants who received assistance this year, with a total payout of $40.4 million disbursed to families across Fiji. This program has become a cornerstone of the Coalition Government’s efforts to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians, ensuring every child has an equal opportunity to learn and grow.
Through the Back-to-School Initiative, 223,475 students received $44.7 million in assistance in 2023, followed by 212,740 students with $42.5 million in 2024. With this year’s payments, the program provided a total of $130 million to Fijian families, making it one of the most impactful education-focused initiatives in the country’s history.
For Mrs. Vosa, this program is more than just financial aid—it’s a source of hope.
“When you’re raising six children on your own, every bit of help counts; this support shows me that we’re not alone and that the government cares about families like mine.”
As schools prepare to reopen on 27 January 2025, the Coalition Government’s Back-to-School Initiative is not just helping children get ready for class—it’s giving families a sense of security and a chance to dream of a brighter future.