To address urgent national priorities, Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, engaged with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration in Bogota. Their dialogue centered on exchanging ideas and identifying strategies to combat exclusion, violence, and enhance child protection measures.
Colombia’s social integration efforts aim to tackle numerous challenges that Fiji also faces, particularly concerning its most vulnerable communities. Minister Tabuya found inspiration in Colombia’s establishment of 20 specialized care facilities that offer comprehensive support to those at risk of violence, child exploitation, and marginalization.
These facilities operate 24/7, providing a secure refuge for individuals needing immediate assistance as well as long-term rehabilitation. Among the highlights of her visit was the Centro Amar (Centre of Love), a center dedicated to the welfare of children and adolescents at risk, including those affected by child labor and those with parents who work night shifts. Here, children are nurtured in an environment that focuses heavily on their development and overall well-being.
The center also promotes the participation of parents in the caregiving process, aiming to strengthen family dynamics and endorse non-violent parenting practices. Minister Tabuya described the atmosphere at the center as genuinely heartwarming, noting the strong bond between children and staff, and the emphasis on empathy as a critical component of their family-centered approach.
Tabuya underscored the importance of prioritizing social integration in delivering services to vulnerable populations. She expressed her vision for a society where everyone feels included, stating, “Thinking about social integration as the focus of our work with vulnerable people was an inspiring paradigm shift. After all, isn’t that what we want?”
Additionally, she drew connections between Colombia’s integrated family-centered model and Fiji’s forthcoming legislative reforms focusing on child protection. She emphasized a transition in Fiji’s strategy, moving from the removal of children in need to supporting families in recovery, highlighting that these service models from Colombia could provide essential insights for realizing this vision.
The Minister’s visit aligns with Fiji’s ongoing efforts to improve its social support systems while enhancing family stability. This engagement precedes the upcoming Fiji Government Pledge to end violence against children and the First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection, indicating a proactive approach towards safeguarding the welfare of children in Fiji.
The collaborative exchange not only holds promise for advancing Fiji’s social policies but also stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences and learned lessons in building a better future for vulnerable populations.
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