A man with a disability is experiencing significant challenges after his monthly social welfare payments were abruptly halted, allegedly due to the small income generated by his family’s fruit-selling activities. This situation was highlighted during a recent workshop hosted by Aruka Fiji, aimed at discussing the obstacles faced by vulnerable populations and the support systems in place to assist them.
Workshop participant Mereseni Rawaqa shared that the discontinuation of welfare payments has placed an immense burden on the man and his family. “This person is disabled. He used to receive monthly financial assistance, but it was suddenly stopped,” she noted. According to Ms. Rawaqa, officials from the Social Welfare Department communicated to the family that the cessation of payments was linked to their fruit sales, which include items like pawpaw and bananas.
Despite the family’s efforts, the income from selling these fruits is modest, with earnings ranging between $20 to $40 on various days, which is insufficient to cover their essential needs. In light of this, Ms. Rawaqa is actively working to assist the man by helping him enroll in a vocational center to continue his education or acquire new skills.
Addressing these concerns, Josefa Banivalu, a welfare officer from the Ministry of Social Protection, clarified that the financial assistance is designed for individuals with disabilities rather than their households. He encouraged families facing similar issues to approach the ministry directly to address any questions regarding the termination of payments.
This situation underscores the importance of understanding the nuances within social welfare policies and their real-world implications for families. By exploring alternative pathways for education and skill development, there is hope for improved opportunities and independence for individuals with disabilities, despite the current challenges they face.
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