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Parents have been urged to plan their back-to – school shopping as the country gears for another new school year.
The Consumer Council has advised that parents be fully aware of their child’s school needs for the start of new year and budget and prepare accordingly.
This, it says, will avoid unnecessary spending and wastage of hard earned money.
“Most often than not, parents and guardians spend more than they should, because just like all major events and festivals, back-to- school shopping has now also become a very commercialised affair rather than an important exercise to fulfil basic need.
“We would also like to urge parents and guardians to involve their children in back-to school shopping as it provides an excellent opportunity to teach children money management skills,” the council said.
According to the council, concepts like comparison shopping, distinguishing needs from wants, and sticking to a budget may all be taught during back-to-school shopping.
And by involving children in the decision- making processes, parents can help them learn life-long financial literacy lessons.
“However, this does not mean that parents should allow their children to nag and bully them into buying expensive branded items just because it’s in fashion and other kids are buying it.”
The council has also applauded Government’s initiative to provide textbooks to primary schools in Fiji.
This, it said, is a great effort that will reduce educational costs and provide more children access to education.
