Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, expressed that while the government has made efforts to deter children from migrating to urban areas and facing homelessness, the core issue lies with parental influences and the home environment.
She emphasized that pressures within families and other domestic problems contribute significantly to the troubling rise of homeless children in urban settings. In response, her ministry has established a Taskforce to investigate the various reasons that lead children to live on the streets. Tabuya noted, “We’ve set up a Taskforce that will look into the causes as to why there is a large number of children on the streets. Factors like home pressures, drug issues, abuse, and parental neglect play a role.”
Despite some successes in relocating children to rehabilitation centers, Tabuya highlighted a critical shortfall in trained professionals capable of providing adequate care for these vulnerable children. “Although there have been a few centers set up, there aren’t enough trained professionals available and experienced to look after these children,” she stated.
When questioned by Opposition Member Praveen Bala regarding the policies for placing street children in homes, Tabuya clarified that a Regulatory Order is in place to ensure that children are safely separated from those who may pose a risk to them.
The situation regarding homeless children in Fiji represents a broader challenge related to homelessness and social inequality in the country, indicating the urgent need for action and support.
This situation calls for community involvement and collaboration between different sectors to enhance the wellbeing of these children. Efforts to raise awareness, provide education on family dynamics, and equip caregivers with necessary skills could be vital in addressing these challenges.
In summary, while the government acknowledges the growing concern of street children, finding effective solutions will require both systemic changes and community engagement. There is hope in the formation of the Taskforce which is a proactive step towards understanding and tackling the root causes of homelessness among children.
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