Data collated so far by the newly formed Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji has indicated that many poorest of the poor families in the country desperately need assistance to educate their children.
Foundation's National Coordinator, Irshaad Ali has revealed today that according to their data, in some families children were the sole source of income.
Ali said poorer families tend to place more support for the eldest and the youngest child for their education, while the middle child is more likely to be neglected.
The Foundation has also found out that boys are more likely to be withdrawn to engage in income generating activities for the family and that families tend to pull out the weakest child from school.
Ali said data has indicated that some children live at their home to look after their deserted or disabled relatives.
There is also an indication from the data that some parents move to urban areas due to better schools but then affordability becomes an issue and the families end up in squatter settlements.
Ali said the Foundation believes that there is a need to take practical action now to ensure that the children from less fortunate families realize their dreams through education.
He said these children need direct assistance and their program is aimed at picking up needy children from primary level and helping them through secondary education.
Meanwhile the Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji has received a timely donation of 8 thousand 342 dollars from the Brisvaani Aid Foundation of Brisbane.
The donation was personally handed by former Fiji citizen and Chairman of Brisvaani Aid, Ambika Prasad today.
Prasad said the Brisvaani Foundation is ready to assist in the education of the needy children.
Ali said according to the cost draft they would need about 200 thousand dollars to fully assist 500 children.
The full data on the amount of needy children in Fiji is still being collated.
