Despite COVID-Spike, Parents Start Backto-School Shopping

We have to be smart shoppers; my children can use their books and other stationaries are still good as new from last year, it’s mainly the uniform that needs a change. Merelesita Maria

Mother

Back-to-school shopping has begun in the Northern Division. Parents have started this in spite of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the Division.

Merelesita Maria is celebrating the New Year by preparing her three children with shopping for their school items.

The mother of seven children said the trying times during the pandemic forced parents to shift their focus from the celebration to spend money wisely on preparing children.

“The children have been away from school for a long time and they have grown out of their uniforms so each week I have set aside to buy uniforms for my three children who will be returning to school in the coming year,” Ms Maria said.

“We have to be smart shoppers; my children can use their books and other stationaries are still good as new from last year, it’s mainly the uniform that needs a change.”

Arunesh Prasad travelled from Dreketi early morning Friday to do some back to school shopping for his children.

Mr Prasad said with the pandemic around, parents should plan and focus on providing the best for their children.

The Dreketi rice farmer said hard work and sacrifice would pay off one day because you invest in your children and pave the way for a better life.

“This week I have to buy some stationery for my children, my younger child will enter secondary school while the older one is moving to Year 11,” he said.

“Next week then I will bring my children to buy their new uniforms.”

Photo: Laisa Lui Merelesita Maria with her son Tevita Soko with their back-to-school shopping at Janta Store, Labasa on December 31, 2021.

Photo: Laisa Lui Arunesh Prasad (right) served by Janta Store sales assistant Sheetal Ratnam with back-to-school shopping on December 31, 2021.