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The Fiji government says it plans to provide free textbooks to primary school students from next year and secondary students from 2012.
The project follows this year’s Cabinet decision to subside bus fares for school children and is part of government efforts to make education free.
The exercise will be carried out in phases, according to the Ministry of Education and is expected to cover all primary schools by 2011.
Secondary schools are expected to begin receiving free textbooks by 2012.
A government statement said improving student access to education at all levels would continue to be a priority of the ministry.
“Part of the efforts to improve access is the reduction of the costs of education especially to parents in the low socio-economic category and those living under difficult circumstances,” the statement said.
The assistance “should bring another sigh of relief for parents as they can now concentrate on other items such as student lunches, uniforms and school stationery” the ministry said.
