People are resorting to desperate measures in a bid to get their children ready for the start of the new school year in two weeks’ time.
Urmila Devi, a mother of three from Korovou, Tailevu, took up selling vegetables at the market to help meet her children’s educational needs.
“Last Saturday was my first time as a market vendor and it was not easy, but I had to do it because I don’t want my children to miss out on school,” she said.
“My husband earns only $110 a week and that is just enough to buy very basic food because the cost of groceries is very high.”
Ms Devi said the COVID-19 pandemic had taken its toll on their family.
She said her husband had to work hard every day just to make ends meet.
“I feel sorry for my husband and I just hope we are able to send our children to school when it starts this year.”
Ms Devi said despite their best efforts, they had not been able to buy any stationery for their children.
She said being a market vendor was challenging, but she would stick at it.
“Sometimes I don’t even make a sale at all, but then I haven’t lost hope yet.
“All my children are in high school and their stationery is quite expensive.”
