A member of the Grace Road Church (GRC) has made a heartfelt plea for government assistance to reunite with her young children, who are reportedly still at a church-operated farm. The woman, who requested to remain anonymous, expressed her anguish over being separated from her family during her eight years in Fiji.
She described how upon arriving in Fiji with her then five-year-old son, her family was immediately separated, a pattern that has persisted since. She shared that the church advised them of the demanding work that awaited them, mentioning grueling hours of physical labor, as well as limited family time. Visits with her children were sporadic, often occurring just once a week or not at all for extended periods.
The situation exacerbated after the birth of her daughter, now four, who she claimed was taken into the care of “aunties” shortly after her birth so that the mother could work in various GRC businesses. The woman pointed to several dire circumstances contributing to her decision to escape, including the poor living conditions, sharing a small room with multiple other women, and limited access to technology and education for her children.
She expressed a strong desire for her children not to live laborious lives akin to “slaves,” stating her hope for a better future for them. Despite being allowed to spend a year with her daughter due to her English-speaking skills, she lamented the general lack of time mothers have with their infants within the church’s structure.
In response to these serious allegations, GRC representatives declined to comment and referred inquiries to the woman’s husband. Meanwhile, Fiji’s Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has urged the police to investigate the situation, with the Assistant Commissioner of Police confirming that an investigation is already underway.
This story raises significant issues regarding family separation, working conditions, and the treatment of individuals within religious organizations. It highlights a pressing need for further scrutiny and supports an ongoing discussion about the welfare of families in similar circumstances. As investigations proceed, there is hope that this mother may soon reunite with her children, leading to a brighter and more stable future for all involved.
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