PARENTS should not rely entirely on the $200 back-to-school assistance, says concerned parent Katarina Bubu.
Originally from Nasoqo Village in Naitasiri, Ms Bubu was in Lautoka yesterday doing her back-to-school shopping.
The mother of four said she travelled to Lautoka on Monday to buy school stationery early.
“I am buying school stationery now because I know most shops are selling items at reduced prices,” she said.
“When the $200 comes in, bookshop owners usually increase the prices of stationery.”
Ms Bubu urged families not to depend solely on the $200 back-to-school assistance, which is scheduled to be disbursed on January 16.
“We Fijians should be encouraged to use our hard-earned money and support our own children.
“We should not put our children’s future on the $200, because what if there is a problem with the processing of the payment?
“We should work hard and not rely on the $200.”
She said she would return to Nasoqo Village today after completing her shopping in Lautoka.
“I am here in Lautoka to buy school items for my children and then go back to the village.
“I heard the $200 back-to-school grant is about to be processed, so I wanted to do my shopping before the money comes in.”
