Save the Children is actively implementing the Collective Action to End Violence Against Children Project across 24 communities in the central division. The initiative focuses on enhancing the relationships between families and their children by promoting positive parenting techniques.
This project is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Children, the Fiji Police Force Community Policing Division, and the iTaukei Affairs Board. Shairana Ali, CEO of Save the Children, highlighted the project’s success in fostering healthy family dynamics through various programs. One notable program, Safe Families – Parenting without Violence, equips parents, guardians, and caregivers with crucial skills in child protection. Participants learn about child development, nurturing children in a supportive atmosphere, and understanding children’s rights and responsibilities, fostering environments where children can actively engage and learn.
Ali emphasizes the organization’s commitment to preventing violence against children, advocating for a society where every child can grow, learn, and thrive in a safe, loving environment. She calls on the government, civil society organizations, and local communities to ramp up awareness campaigns focused on positive, non-violent parenting practices.
The prevalence of violent disciplinary techniques often derives from a lack of knowledge regarding child development and effective parenting. Thus, education and awareness initiatives targeted at parents—especially young and first-time parents—are crucial to ensuring that children receive the love, respect, and dignity they deserve.
This project not only sheds light on the importance of nurturing parenting but also serves as a reminder of the integral role communities play in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. By promoting understanding and compassion in parenting practices, there is hope for a future where all children can flourish in nurturing environments.
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