To respond to the critical needs of the nation, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, recently met with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration of Bogota. Their discussions focused on sharing insights and finding solutions to prevalent issues such as exclusion, violence, and child protection.
Colombia’s social integration initiatives target many challenges that are also faced by Fiji, particularly in assisting vulnerable communities. Minister Tabuya found inspiration in Colombia’s establishment of 20 specialized care facilities that offer comprehensive support for individuals vulnerable to violence, child exploitation, and other forms of marginalization. These centers operate continuously, providing urgent care and long-term rehabilitation for those in need.
During her visit, she toured the Centro Amar (Centre of Love), a facility dedicated to aiding at-risk children and adolescents, including those engaged in child labor or whose parents work night shifts. This center fosters a nurturing environment that emphasizes the development and wellbeing of its young residents. A distinctive aspect of their approach is the integration of parents into the caregiving process, which strengthens family units and advocates for violence-free parenting.
“Witnessing the profound love and support at the center was truly uplifting. The bonds between the children and staff were heartwarming, and education on empathy and relationship-building is seamlessly woven into their family-centered approach,” Minister Tabuya stated.
The Minister underscored the importance of prioritizing social integration within services designed for vulnerable populations. She said, “By centering our efforts on social integration, we can foster a more inclusive society. Isn’t that what we aspire for—a community where everyone feels they belong?”
Tabuya also noted the similarities between Colombia’s integrated family-oriented model and Fiji’s evolving legislative reforms aimed at child protection. “With Fiji’s shift toward supporting family recovery rather than merely removing children in need, these service models provide valuable insights to transform this vision into reality,” she remarked.
This visit is timed ahead of the Fiji Government’s commitment to eradicating violence against children and will precede the First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection. Minister Tabuya’s insights emphasize a promising future as Fiji seeks to bolster its social support systems and enhance family structures across the nation, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
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