The Minister of Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has expressed serious concerns regarding the increasing number of child neglect cases in Fiji. She has called on parents and the wider community to take more initiative and responsibility for the wellbeing of children.
Minister Tabuya emphasized the importance of family engagement, stating that caring for children is primarily the role of parents and guardians—not solely the government. She pointed out that while the government and other stakeholders are there to provide support, the onus is on families to prioritize their children’s needs.
She also highlighted a troubling trend of parents being preoccupied with their smartphones, which limits meaningful interactions with their children. “Children are yearning for more engagement from parents,” she noted.
Furthermore, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro revealed that 5,726 students dropped out of school before finishing Year 10 in the past four years. In light of this, Ms. Tabuya called for the introduction of compulsory education in Fiji, urging parents to recognize their obligation to ensure their children attend school now that education is free.
In summary, both ministers are advocating for stronger family structures and enhanced parental involvement in education, which could lead to positive changes in the lives of children throughout Fiji. There is hope that by emphasizing these responsibilities, communities can come together to foster a more nurturing environment for future generations.
This call to action encourages parents to reclaim their vital role in their children’s lives and shows that collective efforts can significantly improve child welfare in Fiji.
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