Forty-five former street dwellers in the Western Division of Fiji have taken a significant step towards a hopeful future, with none returning to the streets after participating in an Easter camp organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This program has successfully reunited nine individuals with their families, while others have been placed in safe homes in Nadi and Mulomulo, signifying a powerful transformation from vulnerability to stability through empowerment, reconciliation, and opportunity.
The Ministry’s initiative included the cultural practice of Matanigasau, a traditional gesture of apology and reconciliation, aimed at healing broken family relationships. Youth Officer West, Kaminieli Matai Sadrata, emphasized that the program seeks to do much more than provide temporary shelter; it focuses on meaningful contributions to the participants’ new environments.
Notably, the program has engaged two farmers who have offered their farms as safe temporary living spaces, allowing these young individuals to work while the Ministry searches for full-time job placements. There are ongoing discussions to utilize unoccupied government quarters as transitional housing for those securing employment.
A partnership with Fiji National University and the Ministry of Employment has initiated a job search program designed to match the skills of these youths with available job opportunities. Companies like Viti Roofing have already stepped forward, hiring five young men from the group, showcasing the community’s collective effort to uplift and support these individuals.
Sadrata informed that they are in the process of finalizing details for their job search program and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the ongoing empowerment of these youths. He expressed optimism for the future, noting, “Their journey is just beginning – and with support, skills, and faith now part of their foundation, the future looks hopeful.”
This initiative reflects a growing trend of community involvement in transforming the lives of vulnerable youths across Fiji, reminiscent of previous successful programs aimed at empowering at-risk populations. Collective efforts and collaborations have proven essential in creating pathways for these young individuals, marking a promising step towards a brighter future for the youth of Fiji. With continued support and opportunities, these steps pave the way for deeper societal change and a renewed sense of hope within communities.
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