The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children (FENC) in Fiji assisted more than 6800 children with school supplies in 2021.
This, according to the organisation’s national co-ordinator Priya Lata.
She said since the pandemic started, they received the largest number of applications and requests for assistance.
“For 2021 school assistance, we assisted 6800-plus children with school supplies,” she said.
She said some families faced difficulties in accommodating online classes for their children.
“They are not able to buy smartphones, not able to cater for internet, they find difficulties in network issues and some families don’t even have access to electricity, at times.
“Majority are either jobless or on reduced hours and they prioritise putting food on table rather than buying recharge and smartphones.”
She said finding donors and sponsorship were major challenges.
“We need more donors and more sponsorship to help these families who are affected by COVID-19. The organisation is trying its best to provide school supplies for children this year.
“This is difficult for FENC Fiji as because of COVID-19, our donors are affected and we are also not receiving any grant from Government.”
