Officials of the Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji is still verifying with schools around the country which students need immediate assistance.

Coordinator Irshad Ali has raised concern that many schools have not responded to letters sent by the Foundation for verification.

He said they have identified 1,011 students who are poorest of the poor who need urgent assistance in order to attend school.

According to Ali, fifty percent of the students have been assisted through the schools as he stressed that children and parents will not handle the cash given by the Foundation.

He said a large number of students attending primary schools need assistance.

He added the delay from schools in replying to their letters is delaying their process of providing help.

The government has provided $200,000 to the Foundation to assist these students.