Students were part of a team that travelled from the Gold Town of Tavua to Vanua Levu to distribute school stationery to children living in Sever Tropical Cyclone Yasa-affected areas.
The group visited affected families twice with the first round including cartons of food rations and cash, while the second was targeted at students.
The group, Team Tavua, distributed 600 school packs to affected students and brought much relief to many parents on Vanua Levu.
Team leader Ajay Nand said during their visit they noticed many parents were not prepared for the new school term.
“From all those we have assisted in the first round of visit handing out basic food items, they asked for school stationery and that is why we have returned,” Mr Nand said.
“We understand parents have been affected by STC Yasa and we are happy to assist them.”
Another team member, Firoz Khan, who owns a construction company, said they were more than happy to give towards the worthy cause.
“We paid our own fare and brought students with us to help the affected families and we don’t mind spending from our own pockets.”
Labasa parent Alesi Marama, who was assisted, said she had not purchased her eldest daughter’s stationery because STC Yasa chewed a huge amount of her budget.
“It’s tough and I have only purchased my younger children’s school stuff and not my eldest daughter who would be in Year 13,” she said.
“That is why I have come to collect stationery from this group.”
Other women from Naqai Village who were at the hotel with their children and preferred to remain anonymous said their children may start school next week.
