In a significant move to enhance social welfare, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, recently engaged with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration in Bogota. This meeting focused on sharing valuable insights and exploring effective strategies to combat issues such as exclusion, violence, and child protection.
Colombia’s social integration programs are particularly relevant to Fiji, as both nations grapple with the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. During her visit, Minister Tabuya found inspiration in Colombia’s 20 specialized care spaces, designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals facing violence, child exploitation, and other forms of marginalization. These facilities operate continuously, ensuring that those in urgent need have access to safe spaces and long-term rehabilitation services.
One of the highlights of Minister Tabuya’s visit was her tour of the Centro Amar (Centre of Love), which supports at-risk children and adolescents, including those involved in child labor or whose parents work overnight. This center offers a nurturing environment that emphasizes the overall development and wellbeing of children, while also actively integrating parents into the caregiving process. The focus on strengthening family units and promoting violence-free parenting is a cornerstone of their approach.
Reflecting on her experience at the center, Minister Tabuya expressed admiration for the love and heart shown to the children, underscoring the importance of teaching empathy and relationship-building as fundamental components of a family-centered care model. She emphasized that focusing on social integration should be the core of service delivery to vulnerable populations, stating, “A society in which everyone feels included” is the ultimate goal.
Furthermore, the Minister noted the similarities between Colombia’s integrated, family-focused model and Fiji’s new legislative reforms aimed at enhancing child protection. She highlighted that Fiji’s evolving approach pivots from merely removing children in need of protection to actively supporting family recovery, drawing on the insights gained from Colombia’s effective service models.
This visit is timely as it precedes the presentation of the Fiji Government’s pledge to end violence against children and the First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection, marking a pivotal moment for Fiji in its commitment to safeguarding children and strengthening family units throughout the nation.
Comment: With the global focus on child protection and social integration, Minister Tabuya’s visit showcases a proactive and hopeful commitment by Fiji to learn from successful initiatives abroad. Such exchanges are vital for creating inclusive systems that prioritize the welfare of children and families, ultimately leading to a more cohesive society. The future looks promising as Fiji works towards implementing these thoughtful approaches to social protection.
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