A concerned grandfather of Nakorovatu Village in Naitasiri is seeking assistance from the government after claiming that his grandchildren are not attending school because their father had used the $200 Back to School Assistance provided by the government.
During the consultation on the Education Bill held at Nakorovatu Village, Niko Nabauvatoga pleaded with the Parliament Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights to assist him, as his grandchildren are at home and are not attending school.
He alleges that their father had taken the $200 Back to School Assistance and used it but did not buy any of their school stationery, which the assistance was meant for.
He adds that they have informed the mother of his grandchildren, and she has told them to bring the children to Suva where she will buy their school stationery so his grandchildren can attend school from this week.
Insert: Niko calls, 3rd Feb 26 for VITIFM
Meanwhile, Naitasiri villager Josefa Sele has urged the Ministry of Education to change the $200 Back to School Assistance from cash to vouchers so that it is not misused.
He says he is a witness to cases where this assistance has been used to buy cigarettes and kava.
Sele says the government assistance should go directly towards helping children prepare for the school year, such as purchasing uniforms, school shoes and food.
He adds that he is concerned that this assistance is being misused.
Insert: Sele on vouchers, 3rd Feb 26 for VITIFM
