The miracle of free school lunches filling a need in our schools
Those Good Samaritans, who are stepping in to help by providing free school lunches, are solving an urgent need in our schools and communities.
The individuals, groups and organisations are a great example to the nation.
Among the helping hands that we have identified are Nadi mothers Shainaz Khan and Austin Matarugu and Enrich Projects (Fiji) Pte Limited.
There are many others out there quietly working behind the scenes to ensure that students are not going hungry while studying at school. We are all in this COVID-19 crisis together.
Many have lost their jobs or are working under reduced hours. As a consequence their families may be struggling to make ends meet.
The two mothers and the company join an increasing number of people who have given of their means, time and service to help those in need.
Today we want to recognise them and say Vinaka vakalevu for your act kindness, love and compassion.
They are the epitome of the real Fijian spirit. They do not hesitate to jump in and help in an emergency in crisis.
School lunches mean a lot to students. They provide energy to sustain them for the rest of the day. A proper diet is an important component of education. When students are well fed with healthy food it will help them to absorb the pressure of learning at school. Studies have shown that healthy food helps learning.
So these helping hands make a big difference in the education of many of our students.
We encourage those who are in a position to help to come forward and join the army of helpers.
We can only go through this crisis and survive if we band together. It means those who can help offer their assistance wherever they can.