Girl, 12, weaves to help mum
Call on parents to assist children
WITH four days to go before the start of school, Vasemaca Vakalala has been frantically weaving mats with her mother late into the night because she needs to buy a new pair of school uniforms.
The 12-year-old Dudley Intermediate School student lives with her family at Vuniivi settlement, Lami. Her mother, Mereoni Adimaisau, said Vasemaca was taught weaving when she was nine years old.
“Buying stationery for the children is a struggle because of financial constraints,” she said.
“I am looking after seven children, four of whom are my sister-in-law’s children. One will begin secondary education and six other children are still in primary school.”
She said some of her children would use their old school bags, sandals and uniforms because she could not afford to buy new ones.
Ms Adimaisau said her husband suffered from an illness and was unable to find steady employment.
“We hope to sell these mats by this weekend so Vasemaca can wear new uniforms to school.”
PARENTS have been advised to organise their childrens’ e-ticketing cards before school resumes on Tuesday next week.
This,according to permanent secretary for Ministry of Education Dr Anjeela Jokhan, who also said this week should be used to prepare for the 2021 academic year.
“If you have lost or damaged your eTransport cards, you should make all necessary arrangements to replace your eTransport cards before school starts on Tuesday next week,” she said.
“The ministry urges parents to assist their children in obtaining replacement cards to avoid disappointment when school starts on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
“Students who have lost or damaged their eTransport cards should obtain a letter from their head of school or nearest District Education Office to apply for a replacement card.
“Replacement cards are valued at $5 and can be purchased from any Vodafone Fiji outlet.”
Students with valid eTransport cards can redeem their cards at any e-ticketing machine available at any Vodafone Fiji outlet, Valuefone outlet, Mr Mobile outlet, Ministry of Education transport assistance unit office or any District Education Office from Thursday this week.
Students who may not be able to redeem this week, can redeem from Tuesday next week on any bus carrying an e-ticketing machine.
The ministry urges parents to assist their children in obtaining replacement cards ... – Dr Anjeela Jokhan