Ben Morrison, the executive director of Inspire Pacific, has underscored the significant influence that both the church and communities have in fostering healthy parenting practices. During his address at the Leaders LEAD Symposium held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Morrison confronted the challenges of guiding youth from broken families, many of whom face difficulties transitioning into the workforce.
Morrison noted that Inspire Pacific closely engages with young men confronting a range of obstacles, from dropping out of school to living on the streets or in juvenile facilities. He pointed out that the boys they assist are primarily iTaukei and commonly come from backgrounds characterized by the absence of fathers, which can contribute to broader societal issues. “The key responsibility to parenting is fathers,” he emphasized.
He introduced the initiative “The World Needs A Father,” which aims to empower men with the skills necessary to embody effective fatherly roles. Morrison highlighted the need to address male perpetration of societal issues, noting that statistics indicate a higher prevalence of male offenders in areas such as crime and suicide. Additionally, he called for stronger collaboration among community stakeholders, including churches, to address the emotional challenges families face from a grassroots perspective.
This emphasis on collective responsibility resonates with the sentiments expressed by Reverend Semisi Turagavou, President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma. Turagavou has previously raised concerns over alarmingly high rates of child abuse and neglect within Christian households, revealing that a report from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection indicated that 76 percent of abused and neglected children come from Christian families, with a significant majority identifying as iTaukei. He has urged parents to recognize their responsibilities and for the church to actively engage in addressing these social challenges.
Both leaders highlight the importance of nurturing and strengthening family bonds, which can lead to healthier futures for children. The discussions serve to inspire hope for collaborative efforts between local leaders, church representatives, and community organizations, all aiming to cultivate a resilient environment where the next generation can flourish. This proactive approach emphasizes the role of community and faith-based organizations in tackling pressing social issues and fostering a supportive framework for youth development.
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