Fiji’s Game-Changer: Empowering Counselors to Heal Children’s Trauma

The Ministry of Women and Children of Fiji, in cooperation with UNICEF, is implementing an extensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills of local counselors. This initiative emphasizes the development of critical competencies in areas such as drug rehabilitation, tailored to empower professionals in delivering comprehensive care to children who have faced trauma and abuse.

Fiji faces a concerning situation, with statistics indicating that one in three girls and one in five boys have experienced some type of physical or sexual abuse. To address these distressing realities, the training program aims to equip community workers—particularly those affiliated with faith-based organizations and civil society—with essential psychosocial support skills.

Minister Sashi Kiran acknowledged the valuable contributions of Dr. Koen Sevenants, a distinguished mental health specialist who leads the mental health and psychosocial support initiatives within UNICEF’s Child Protection Area. Dr. Sevenants will lead training sessions for 20 community workers in Nadi, which will focus on essential skills needed for assisting children in their recovery journeys.

In the training sessions, various therapeutic methods will be highlighted, including sports, music, and art therapy, to facilitate children’s healing processes. The overarching goal is to establish a strong network of qualified counselors at the local level, ensuring ongoing psychosocial support for children throughout Fiji.

Looking forward, the program is set to expand into Lautoka and the Northern Division, further increasing the number of trained therapists available to the community. Minister Kiran reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing children in Fiji the necessary care and support to recover from trauma.

This initiative represents a vital advancement in building a robust support system for children impacted by abuse and violence, fostering a hopeful vision for a nurturing environment in Fiji. The collaboration between government entities and global partners underscores a proactive commitment to enhancing the mental health and well-being of children within the community, laying the groundwork for a more promising future.