The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is enhancing its efforts to combat physical and sexual abuse against children through a comprehensive nationwide training initiative for counselors. This initiative coincides with an upcoming zero-tolerance campaign aimed at eradicating abuse and promoting healthier environments for vulnerable youth, particularly those grappling with substance abuse issues.
Minister Sashi Kiran reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving local capacities, ensuring that children suffering from abuse and drug-related problems receive prompt, accessible support. The development of a National Action Plan aimed at preventing all forms of abuse against children is also in progress, which will further underpin these efforts.
Dr. Koen Sevenants, a UNICEF Child Mental Security Specialist, emphasized the significance of this training, stating that it equips counselors with the essential skills needed to address the complex emotional and psychological challenges children face when they disclose experiences of abuse. As part of the two-part training program, 25 participants were educated in understanding child development and recognizing signs of trauma, suicidal thoughts, and other emotional distress.
The knowledge gained from these sessions serves as a catalyst for positive change, potentially enabling counselors to support approximately 86% of children encountering serious emotional and psychosocial challenges. This proactive training symbolizes a hopeful step toward creating an informed and empathetic workforce capable of nurturing the mental well-being of children in need.
The context provided by previous articles highlights that Fiji is currently facing alarming statistics regarding child abuse, with a significant number of local children having experienced physical or sexual abuse. The continued focus on training and developing local counselors is vital, not only for immediate response but also for fostering a long-term protective environment for children.
These collective efforts represent a strong commitment from both government and community leaders to elevate child welfare, assuring that every child receives the support, protection, and care they deserve. Moving forward, the training programs will expand further into different regions, enhancing the availability of trained professionals who can provide ongoing psychosocial support in Fiji. Such initiatives offer a promising outlook for the nation as it strives toward a healthier, safer future for its children.
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