Child Scholarships 2021 impacted by Covid 19 - Rotary supports New Zealand's near neighbours in Pacific countries

Covid has impacted the pacific countries as it has the rest of the world. 150,000 Fijians have lost their jobs as a result of the collapse of Tourism.

In 2020 Taveuni Rotary sponsored 160 children from Year 9 to Year 13. Education is free, therefore no school fees. Parents have to provide a uniform incl. shoes, school bag, exercise books, a calculator and stationery. Each scholarship provides FJ $250. The payment is made in the form of vouchers which are redeemable at 3 stores on Taveuni in exchange for the items. Each scholar is endorsed by their school and interviewed with a parent by a panel of Rotary members. The club aim to provide a scholarship in some cases for up to 5 years. Rotary club members attend the annual end of year prize giving. Many children who receive a Rotary scholarship are Dux of their school. They have to date 400 scholarship requests for 2021.