7,000 children to receive school backpacks in the Western Division

7,000 children whose families have been affected by COVID-19 in the Western Division will receive school backpacks which contain school stationery.

The assistance has been provided by the Australian Government through its education support facilities.

The backpacks will be distributed to schools in Nadi, Nadroga, Lautoka, Ba, Ra, Yasawa and other areas in the Western Division and the Lau group.

Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar says these are not the only backpacks the Australians are giving to Fiji as 1,500 backpacks are already on their way to the Lau Group and this will benefit students who were badly affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Akbar has thanked the Australian Government for timely assistance as this will ensure that children in the Western Division are able to return to school for the new school year.