Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya, has called for increased community engagement in early childhood education, stressing the importance of closing learning gaps and creating safer environments for young children. Her remarks were made at the Waidamudamu Gospel Community Church dinner fundraiser on October 31, 2025, which aimed to support the Waidamudamu Learning Centre.
Recognizing the Centre’s decade-long commitment to nurturing young minds and supporting families in Nausori, Tabuya praised its efforts. “We need to be able to look after our children safely, giving peace of mind to parents and caregivers while they work. They shouldn’t have to worry about their children being left at home or in unsafe conditions,” she stated.
The fundraiser’s goal is to extend the learning center’s hall, accommodating its growing student population. Tabuya shared insights from her experience with the Kalabu community’s mobile early learning program, noting that children who participate in such initiatives tend to perform better both academically and socially later in life.
She emphasized the need for a holistic approach to education—one that imparts not only academic learning but also essential values such as kindness, healthy living, and self-reliance. “Our children should be able to tell their parents, ‘this isn’t healthy; I want to be strong and take care of my body,’” she remarked, highlighting the rising rates of child abuse and non-communicable diseases as pressing issues that early education can address.
Tabuya reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for child welfare and enhancing early education across all levels of government. The Waidamudamu Learning Centre, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, was established by Mr. and Mrs. Kalouniviti Snr., who envisioned a space for quality early childhood education grounded in Christian values, supporting families in their community.
By fostering a culture of involvement in early childhood education and promoting safer environments for children, Tabuya’s initiatives reflect a promising outlook for Fiji’s future generations. Her advocacy presents an opportunity for families and communities to unite in prioritizing the well-being and development of their children, ultimately shaping a brighter future for Fiji.
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