“Fiji’s Hidden Crisis: Addressing Homelessness Among iTaukei Street Children”

A troubling number of street children in Fiji are identified as iTaukei boys, according to Ben Morrison, co-founder of Inspire Pacific. In an interview with The Fiji Times, he shed light on the challenges faced by the iTaukei community, especially in urban areas where homelessness is becoming more pronounced.

Morrison pointed out that the boys currently participating in their program are exclusively iTaukei, rejecting the stereotype that the community is neglectful. He attributed the struggles to the broader influences of urbanization and modernization that have disrupted traditional social and cultural frameworks. He remarked, “The homeless situation is a city problem. In the villages, there is no such thing as homelessness because the social and cultural systems are more communal,” highlighting how community support plays a vital role in village life.

In urban settings, the transition can be difficult, as the values associated with communal living often clash with the competitive nature found in cities. Morrison emphasized the importance of integrating cultural values within urban environments while addressing the underlying causes of homelessness and the rising number of street children.

This issue is not isolated, echoing concerns raised by representatives of the Catholic Church in Fiji about the increasing number of street dwellers in Suva, mostly comprising iTaukei individuals. Church official Ben Salacakau has emphasized the need for a community-wide response to tackle this pressing concern. The church has taken initiatives to provide immediate assistance, such as food and shelter, alongside advocating for long-term solutions, including counseling and job training to assist street dwellers in reintegrating into society.

The challenges highlighted by both Morrison and Salacakau reflect an urgent call for cooperation among families, communities, and organizations to combat homelessness, especially for vulnerable groups like the iTaukei street children.

By raising awareness around these issues, there exists a hopeful perspective that communities will unite to support one another and seek sustainable solutions to the homelessness crisis in Fiji.