Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
12/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/03/2024 20:50
LEMEKI COMMENDS GOVERNMENT FOR PROVIDING...
Lemeki Bogidrau and his wife, Atelaite Bulou, from Cakova Village in Moala, have expressed deep gratitude to the Fiji Government for its support through the Disability Allowance Scheme, a vital initiative designed to assist individuals living with disabilities.
Lemeki highlighted the challenges they faced after his wife was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In addition to his wife's medical condition, Lemeki also faces his own challenges due to slow development, which has affected his ability to work consistently.
"It was a tough time for us, we had to travel to Suva for treatment, and my wife received care at Saint Giles Hospital. During that period, I stayed with relatives in Nausori and sold socks in Suva. I managed to earn $2,000, which helped us cover transport costs back to the village."
During a recent outreach visit by officials from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lemeki was able to register for the Disability Allowance Scheme. He expressed relief and optimism after learning that payments would begin in January 2025.
"The support from the government will greatly improve my wife's well-being and we are truly thankful for this assistance, which will ease some of the burdens we face."
This assistance coincides with the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disability (3.12.24), a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The Disability Allowance Scheme reflects this commitment, providing financial aid to individuals with permanent disabilities to help meet daily needs and access essential services.
For the 2024-2025 financial year, the government allocated $9.5 million to the scheme and increased the monthly allowance from $104 to $129.
The expanded funding and initiatives like the Disability Allowance Scheme underline the government's dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social inclusion across Fiji.
Lemeki highlighted the challenges they faced after his wife was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In addition to his wife's medical condition, Lemeki also faces his own challenges due to slow development, which has affected his ability to work consistently.
"It was a tough time for us, we had to travel to Suva for treatment, and my wife received care at Saint Giles Hospital. During that period, I stayed with relatives in Nausori and sold socks in Suva. I managed to earn $2,000, which helped us cover transport costs back to the village."
During a recent outreach visit by officials from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lemeki was able to register for the Disability Allowance Scheme. He expressed relief and optimism after learning that payments would begin in January 2025.
"The support from the government will greatly improve my wife's well-being and we are truly thankful for this assistance, which will ease some of the burdens we face."
This assistance coincides with the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disability (3.12.24), a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The Disability Allowance Scheme reflects this commitment, providing financial aid to individuals with permanent disabilities to help meet daily needs and access essential services.
For the 2024-2025 financial year, the government allocated $9.5 million to the scheme and increased the monthly allowance from $104 to $129.
The expanded funding and initiatives like the Disability Allowance Scheme underline the government's dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social inclusion across Fiji.