The Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection says it is making positive strides in moving social welfare recipients toward self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship. In Labasa, eight qualified recipients were handed start-up assistance to launch their own ventures, including market stalls and other small businesses aimed at supporting their livelihoods. The minister, Sashi Kiran, noted that this hands-on support is designed to help capable individuals earn income and reduce their reliance on welfare.
Despite these gains, the minister pointed out that the ministry continues to see rising requests for assistance, with people living with disabilities, single mothers, widows, and the elderly among those seeking help. The focus remains on creating pathways to independence, with start-up funding and business development as key components of the support package.
Kiran emphasized that the eight Labasa recipients represent a broader effort to empower welfare beneficiaries to stand on their own feet. She expressed optimism that providing the right opportunities will open doors for more people to generate their own income rather than depend entirely on government support. This approach is part of a wider push to foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance among vulnerable groups across Fiji.
Context from related programs shows ongoing momentum in expanding self-reliance. Earlier initiatives have included a four-day Start Your Business course, which graduated 29 welfare recipients with skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations. The ministry is also pursuing reforms such as digitizing social protection programs and strengthening pathways to self-reliance, as part of a broader strategy to support responsible transition away from welfare where feasible.
Overall, the ministry’s efforts reflect a hopeful trajectory: targeted start-up support and practical training are being used to empower recipients, grow small businesses, and promote inclusive economic participation for Fiji’s most vulnerable communities.
What this means for the community and future policy:
– Early-stage entrepreneurship can stimulate local livelihoods and diversify income sources for families in Labasa and beyond.
– Continued training and funding support are essential to sustain momentum and improve long-term outcomes.
– Coordinated efforts across agencies (training, financial aid, and digital record-keeping) can streamline access to assistance and better track progress.
– Ongoing monitoring will be important to balance immediate relief with sustainable, income-generating opportunities for those most in need.
Summary: The ministry reports progress in graduating welfare recipients into entrepreneurship, with eight Labasa beneficiaries receiving start-up support to operate market stalls and small businesses. While demand for assistance remains high among vulnerable groups, the program is expanding through related training and reforms to empower more people to earn their own income and reduce long-term welfare dependence.
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