$200 issue

Provision of educational support

I DO not wish to throw cold water on the initiative by Government to assist parents as I know that the costs of putting children at schools can be formidable for a good percentage of Fiji’s parents.

However, if we really want a safer and surer way to fairly distribute the assistance towards the purchasing of school learning resources so that every child that truly needs the assistance receives the resources, then I feel the aid should be directed to the schools.

This means that the schools should be the distributors of learning resources such as exercise books, rulers, math-sets etc: — I know as a teacher, that all schools have all their students’ data. Class teachers always know and document the background of their students and their siblings in other classes.

Even incoming students into Class One (Year One) or Year 9 in secondary schools, will be known to the head teacher/principal as they would have received applications beginning in September 2022 for the 2023 intake.

The other way; but which will be more costly for Government, is to better resource the schools so that every student is supplied with exercise books and textbooks. However, the textbooks are returned at the end of each year and should a student fail to do so, the student pays for the replacement cost.

Alternatively, the schools can only be given grants to buy exercise books and other learning resources to distribute to needy students who qualify.

In the past when there were school fees paid for secondary education, each school handled the school’s Free Tuition Grant recommendations for the Ministry of Education.

Distributing through the schools can avoid this much needed assistance being called a “freebie”given for other reasons.

SUSANA TUISAWAU Wainivula Rd, Nasinu

Serving with love!

AFTER sharing the story of Farasiko Saunivalu ttled “Never miss the bus” (12/01), The Fiji Times

People column made my day with yet another robust piece titled “Serving with love” (13/01).

Farasiko shared his story where he was determined to prove everyone wrong when he opted to return to school in 1997 at the age of 30. He shared that his return to the classroom was an uncomfortable experience because his wife became his teacher. His words, “It’s never too late to start anything. If you think you’ve missed the bus, think again. All you need is determination and a willingness to achieve your goal,” added icing on the cake.

On the other hand, Fiji Council of Social Services district volunteer 58-year-old Irene Rose Kumar shared her journey as a volunteer.

The old-age adage that “volunteers do not have the time, they just have the heart” fit Irene’s description.

Irene was recognised by the Fijian government for her efforts with an Order of Fiji medal. Both Farasiko and Irene inspired readers with their inspirational pieces!

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

Dedicated teacher

AS determined to achieve his goal as a teacher, it was never too late for Farasiko to graduate at the age of 35. He continued learning while earning a living for his family (Fiji Times

- 12/1 - Picture: Jonacani). He has gone through many challenges and sacrifices to join the noble profession, a teacher in teachinglearning process.

I only wish such dedicated teachers could have five more years to teach until age 60.

The changes implemented by the people’s Rabuka government to age 60 now, is encouraging for young graduates for competitive job security.

Retire gracefully at age 60 and live long with dignity.

TAHIR ALI

Hamilton, New Zealand

Retirement issue

RETIRING good quality skilled individuals at age 55 might look good on paper.

But it’s putting good quality human capital out to pasture when their experience and skillset is what’s desperately needed to unlock the potential to develop new business ideas and industries to help create jobs.

So the crux of the problem, Mrs Kumar, is not early retirement but jobs creation.

However, jobs creation is a global challenge. And there aren’t any quick fixes.

Economic transformation is one way of creating jobs. And that takes time. But when a country is deep in debt, the jobs creation challenge becomes twice as hard.

In many developing countries agriculture and agricultural development opportunities are one way of creating jobs.

But the digital age is heralding new technological advances and innovations that are changing the face and fortunes of industries worldwide.

And unfortunately, it’s also responsible for extensive job losses around the world.

Tragically, the problem is going to expand exponentially as companies shift towards AI or Artificial Intelligence.

Smaller developing countries like Fiji need to rethink and reimagine their five, 10, 15 and 20 year goals in view of the global trends taking place or risk being left behind in the wake of major shifts in international trade and mega marketplace moves.

Think Tank. Entrepreneurship. Borrowing ideas from countries who’re moving and grooving are all ways to ignite and inspire growth and transformation. Just my 2 cents.

COLIN DEOKI

Australia

WHY restrict the taxpayer funded $200 assistance to those families with combined parental income of $50,000 or less?

Those earning above $50,000 pay tax too, and in fact they pay more.

Besides, parents earning $50,000 are well-off anyway, so in the name of fairness why not give out $200 to every child?

BIMAL PRASAD

Newtown Rd, Wailoaloa, Nadi