The Frank Hilton Organisation has reported a notable 25% annual increase in the number of children needing support, highlighting an urgent need for early intervention services. Chief Executive Officer Sureni Perera noted that many cases are identified during special awareness months, which emphasizes the importance of early support and intervention for children with disabilities and developmental challenges in Fiji.
Perera mentioned that awareness months, such as Cerebral Palsy Month, lead to a significant surge in referrals to their services. Interestingly, a new trend has emerged where children under six years old are presenting for support at earlier ages, which Perera described as an encouraging sign of growing awareness surrounding early detection and intervention.
In the past, children typically came to the organisation for assistance much later in life, often between 10 and 18 years old. Now, the statistics show that an increasing number of children are reaching out for help from as young as two years old, reflecting positively on societal awareness of the needs of these children.
The Fijian government has allocated $900,000 to the Frank Hilton Foundation this year. While Perera appreciates this support, she emphasizes the necessity for additional resources to meet the rising demand for services. She recognizes the challenges in balancing funding with competing priorities but suggests that there is still much potential for improvement in policies and societal attitudes toward inclusion.
Perera calls for a holistic approach that goes beyond funding alone, advocating for a shift in understanding inclusion and the underlying principles that foster it. The Frank Hilton Organisation remains dedicated to promoting awareness and securing the necessary resources to better serve children with disabilities and developmental challenges in Fiji.
This development reflects a growing recognition and commitment to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children, fostering a brighter future for them and their families.
Summary: The Frank Hilton Organisation in Fiji reported a 25% annual increase in children needing support, indicating a positive shift towards early intervention as more children come forward at younger ages. While government funding is appreciated, additional resources and a shift in societal attitudes towards inclusion and support are necessary to meet the increasing demand for services.
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