Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, recently met with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration of Bogota to discuss and share effective strategies to combat exclusion, violence, and enhance child protection in Fiji. Recognizing challenges that both nations face, particularly with vulnerable communities, Minister Tabuya took inspiration from Colombia’s comprehensive social integration initiatives.
During her visit, she highlighted the significance of Colombia’s 20 specialized care spaces, which operate continuously to provide vital support for individuals at risk of violence, exploitation, and marginalization. These facilities serve as safe havens for urgent care and long-term rehabilitation, a model that could be impactful in Fiji.
In particular, Minister Tabuya visited Centro Amar, also known as the Centre of Love, which focuses on aiding children and adolescents at risk, including those involved in child labor or whose parents have unconventional work schedules. The nurturing environment of the center is geared towards children’s development and well-being, notably integrating parents into the caregiving process to foster stronger family bonds and promote violence-free parenting.
Reflecting on her experience, Minister Tabuya expressed her admiration for the love and support the center offers, noting the importance of empathy and strong relationships in creating a family-centered approach to care.
“Thinking about social integration as the focus of our work with vulnerable people was an inspiring paradigm shift. After all, isn’t that what we want? A society in which everyone feels included?” she emphasized. She also drew parallels between Colombia’s family-focused model and Fiji’s new legislative reforms centered on child protection, indicating a shift from merely removing children in need to fostering family recovery.
This visit is timely, coinciding with the upcoming presentation of the Fiji Government’s pledge to end violence against children and the inaugural Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection. By learning from Colombia’s successful models, Fiji aims to strengthen its social support systems and enhance family dynamics throughout the nation.
In summary, Minister Tabuya’s visit not only highlights the urgency of addressing child protection but also showcases an inspiring commitment to integrating social services effectively, with the potential to create a more inclusive society in Fiji. The exchange of ideas and practices can lead to meaningful advancements in the welfare of vulnerable populations, symbolizing hope for a better future.
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