THREE families in the North, whose parents relied on the Government’s $200 back-to-school assistance, missed the start of school.
Akuila Yacadra from Kia travelled with his wife and two daughters to the Northern Divisional Education Office on Monday.
“We left Kia around 7am because we are frustrated,” he said.
“Our children were given the forms last year, we filled them in and submitted them, but up to now we have not received any assistance.”
Repeated calls to the ministry went unanswered, and the family had delayed buying school items, forcing their children to stay home.
Similarly, Dibogi Nabibi from Togaviti left her village before dawn to enquire why her eldest child entering Year 11, had not received the assistance.
“Since school has already started and we have not received it, we decided to come and enquire with the ministry,” she said, after learning the application was not recorded.
Divisional Education Office executive officer Jaucoro Sucu said delays were caused by incomplete forms, unregistered numbers, and verification issues, with only a few parents being asked to resubmit.
Questions sent to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro remained unanswered.
