Parents and guardians crowded the Ministry of Education office yesterday seeking clarity over the $200 education assistance they have yet to receive.
While some visited to seek clarification on delayed payments, others arrived with documents to reapply after their forms failed to reach the ministry.
Susana Vakaliyara, who travelled from Namosi, said the assistance was needed to purchase remaining stationery for her two children.
“I didn’t receive the $200 even though I filled in the form, and that is why I have come back to refill my form and get the assistance,” she said.
At Waisomo House in Suva, grandmother Marama Kidia from Naitasiri joined the long queue hoping to submit an application on behalf of her grandson.
“I couldn’t apply earlier because my grandson gave me the forms during the holidays, but due to unforeseen circumstances I couldn’t submit them on time.”
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said the ministry had already assisted more than 3000 parents and guardians who visited the office.
He said common issues included applications not submitted by schools before the deadline, late submissions by parents and guardians, incorrect contact numbers and claims of incorrect applications being lodged on behalf of students.
“All these cases were attended to and verified,” Mr Radrodro said.
He added that assistance operations at Waisomo House would continue until the start of the school year.
