To address the critical priorities of the Government, Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, engaged with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration of Bogota. This meeting was aimed at sharing insights and exploring potential solutions to issues such as exclusion, violence, and child protection, which are prevalent in both Colombia and Fiji.
Colombia’s social integration initiatives are particularly relevant as they tackle challenges faced by vulnerable communities—issues that are also common in Fiji. Minister Tabuya found inspiration in Colombia’s 20 specialized care facilities that offer comprehensive support for individuals at risk of violence, child exploitation, and marginalization. These services function around the clock, providing urgent care and long-term rehabilitation options for those in need.
During her visit, Tabuya toured the Centro Amar (Centre of Love), a facility dedicated to assisting children and adolescents at risk, especially those involved in child labor or whose parents have overnight jobs. The Centre fosters a nurturing environment that emphasizes children’s development and well-being. Its family-centered approach integrates parents into the caregiving process, aiming to strengthen family units and promote parenting free of violence.
“It was truly inspiring to see the heart and love the centre offers the children. Learning about empathy and relationships was a key part of their family-centered approach,” Minister Tabuya remarked, noting the strong bonds between the children and staff at the Centre.
Acknowledging the importance of social integration as a core aspect of service delivery for vulnerable populations, Tabuya stated that this paradigm shift is crucial for creating an inclusive society. “After all, isn’t that what we want? A society in which everyone feels included?”
Furthermore, she indicated that Colombia’s integrated family-focused model can provide valuable insights as Fiji prepares to implement new legislative reforms for child protection. “As we shift our focus in Fiji from the removal of children in need of protection to supporting family recovery, these service models provide us with insights to make this vision a reality,” she said.
The Minister underscored the significance of these models as Fiji continues to enhance its social support systems and reinforce family structures. This visit precedes the presentation of the Fiji Government’s pledge to end violence against children and the upcoming First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection.
Overall, this collaborative effort stands as a hopeful step toward creating a brighter future for vulnerable children and families in Fiji, illustrating the power of international cooperation to address pressing social challenges.
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