Couple Grateful for Parenthood Assistance Payment Scheme
After newborn arrives one month early, pair are thankful for financial help
Amother who travelled from Vanua Levu to deliver her baby in Suva has found a sense of relief yesterday after receiving a portion of the Parenthood Assistance Payment. Verenaisi Donu, 33, had undergone a caesarian at eight months because of birthing complications. As a result, she and her family had to spend quite a lot of money.
At the BSP in Suva, she told how she was grateful for the timely assistance.
She delivered her beautiful baby boy a month earlier, but he is now doing well, she says.
“I am so thankful for this initiative,” she said.
“In Vanua Levu I was spending so much money on travelling expenses to and from the hospital every two weeks which cost me more than $100.
In Vanua Levu I was spending so much money on travelling expenses to and from the hospital every two weeks which cost me more than $100. But I thank the Lord that my baby is healthy and fit Verenaisi Donu Parent Assistance Payment recipient
“But I thank the Lord that my baby is healthy and fit.”
Her husband, Salamisa Donu, a farmer in Vanua Levu, had to rush to Suva when he was told that his wife had delivered.
“My husband was at our farm in Vanua Levu so he had to come with whatever little cash he’s got to check on us.
“This money I received today will really help us a lot, if it wasn’t for this, I wouldn’t know where else to get the money to buy more clothes and other baby’s stuff.”
Mr Donu said: “Once my wife is fit then I can go back and send them money, but for now what we got today is more than enough to last for at least another two to three weeks before I head back,” he said.
“I am so thankful to this Government for taking good care of its people, especially those that are in need like us.”
The couple have three children with their eldest in Year 1. Under the Parenthood Assistance Payment, $1000 is issued to cover the cost of raising a child to help lowincome Fijian families. $500 is released once the child is born and the remainder when the child is in Year 1.
They are also given other options to see the money grow for future use.
The couple have three children with their eldest in Year 1. Under the Parenthood Assistance Payment, $1000 is issued to cover the cost of raising a child to help lowincome Fijian families.