Child homelessness is an escalating crisis in Fiji, prompting ARUKA Fiji to urge the country’s over 300 churches to provide essential shelter and support for vulnerable children. Currently, reports indicate that 38 children are living on the streets, a situation that has led ARUKA Fiji’s founder, Inoke Drauna, to highlight the critical role churches can play in addressing this pressing issue. Many of these children, he noted, feel neglected and abandoned, underscoring the urgent need for safe environments where they can foster positive relationships and receive guidance.
Drauna mentioned that while ARUKA Fiji is actively conducting evening clinics and capacity-building programs, immediate action is required to provide basic shelter and emotional support. “It’s about creating an environment where children can feel safe and loved,” he said. He further encouraged churches to utilize ARUKA’s helpline for assistance in dealing with issues such as grief, trauma, and addiction, thus equipping them to help children effectively in crisis.
The situation is also highlighted in a 2023 report from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, which recorded 39 homeless individuals in Suva, including 16 children under the age of 18. These young people face significant risks, including exposure to drugs and substance abuse while living on the streets.
Drauna emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to tackle child homelessness, asserting, “This is not a task the government can handle alone. The community must step up, especially churches and local organizations.” This call to action aligns with insights from previous reports, including those from Minister Lynda Tabuya, pointing to familial issues such as substance abuse, neglect, and domestic violence as contributing factors to homelessness among children. The government’s acknowledgment of the need for a Taskforce to investigate the root causes of child homelessness reflects a commitment to finding comprehensive solutions.
Awareness and responsibility from families, community organizations, religious groups, and the government are vital in creating a nurturing environment for these vulnerable children. With concerted efforts, there is hope for substantial changes that could guide these youths toward a more stable and supportive future.
By rallying together, the community can play an instrumental role in addressing this crisis and offering a brighter horizon for Fiji’s homeless children.
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