The Ministry yesterday held the weekly Inter-Agency Exit Strategy Pathway Partnerships meeting, chaired by Minister Sashi Kiran, in the Minister’s Conference Room. The discussions brought together officials from the Fiji Police Force and a range of stakeholders to advance a coordinated approach to address loitering and street dwelling among youths in Fiji’s urban centers.
The aim remains a unified, integrated strategy to safeguard vulnerable youths from the risks associated with street life. Key components include access to skills training, counselling, and other support services designed to create sustainable pathways toward employment and independent living.
In the past week, Ministry Social Protection Officers, in collaboration with police, assisted 12 young people through safe placements. Some were reunified with their families, while others were referred to rehabilitation facilities to receive appropriate care and support.
Stakeholders highlighted the dangers facing street-dwelling children, including exposure to harmful substances and violence. The Ministry urged the public to stay vigilant and report cases of at-risk children through the 24-hour toll-free Child Helpline on 1325.
The ministry expressed appreciation for the ongoing contributions of Kauwai Home, Pearly Gates Home, Chevaliar Training Facility, and the Fiji Police Force, noting that their collaboration remains central to protecting and supporting vulnerable children and youth.
Broader context and ongoing efforts
The current meeting aligns with broader national efforts to address street homelessness and youth welfare across Fiji. Other recent initiatives have included profiling efforts that identified hundreds of youths in Suva, with plans to replicate similar exercises in the Western Division and to expand rehabilitation and diversion pathways nationwide. Community organizations such as Inspire Pacific and Kauwai Home of the Salvation Army have shared successful rehabilitation models that could scale up to a national level, while community leaders have highlighted the role of music and sport in outreach and engagement.
The government’s strategy also contemplates additional safeguards and infrastructure, including potential expansion of rehabilitation facilities and the exploration of safe housing options in urban centers to support ongoing reintegration. There is emphasis on balancing accountability with preventive supports, strengthening family outreach, and ensuring that guardians play a crucial role in a child’s welfare.
Outlook and value
This inter-agency collaboration demonstrates a hopeful commitment to transforming street life into opportunities for education, training, and employment. By continuing to integrate services, leverage community networks, and extend profiling and rehabilitation programs across divisions, Fiji aims to build safer, more supportive environments for its vulnerable youth and their families.
Editor notes for further value
– Consider including a short explainer on any legal instruments or protections that apply to street-dwelling youths and guardians.
– Highlight the Inter-Agency Exit Strategy Pathway Partnership’s role in coordinating rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
– Plan follow-up coverage on the Western Division profiling and the rollout of similar programs there, including quotes from participating NGOs and community leaders.
Summary
The meeting reinforces Fiji’s cross-ministerial effort to hold youths accountable where needed while expanding rehabilitation and support pathways. By pairing legal safeguards with enhanced services and strong community partnerships, the country is pursuing a hopeful path toward safer futures for vulnerable young people.
Overall sentiment: positive, with a clear emphasis on protective, rehabilitative measures and collaborative action.
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