In a bid to tackle pressing issues related to exclusion, violence, and child protection, Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, engaged in discussions with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration in Bogota. This meeting aimed to share insights and develop potential solutions to challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Fiji, which resonate with Colombia’s own social initiatives.
Minister Tabuya was particularly inspired by Colombia’s establishment of 20 specialized care spaces that deliver comprehensive support for individuals at risk of violence, child exploitation, and marginalization. These facilities operate continuously, offering urgent care and long-term rehabilitation to those in need of assistance.
During her visit, she toured the Centro Amar (Centre of Love), which provides critical support to at-risk children and adolescents, including those affected by child labor or whose guardians work night shifts. The Centre focuses on nurturing these children in a development-centered environment while also involving parents in the caregiving process. This approach aims to reinforce family bonds and promote non-violent parenting practices.
Expressing her admiration for the Centre, Minister Tabuya stated, “It was a true inspiration to see the heart and love the centre offers to the children. The relationships between the children and staff emphasized learning about empathy, an important part of their family-centered approach.”
She underlined the importance of social integration as a foundation for service delivery to vulnerable populations, 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? A society in which everyone feels included?”
Minister Tabuya noted parallels between Colombia’s integrated family-focused model and Fiji’s new legislative reforms aimed at child protection. She acknowledged the shift in Fiji’s approach from primarily removing children in need of protection to supporting family recovery, drawing insights from Colombia’s successful service models to actualize this vision.
The Minister’s visit is timely, coinciding with the upcoming Fiji Government Pledge to end violence against children and the First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection.
Overall, Minister Tabuya’s engagement with Colombia’s social integration initiatives reflects a proactive approach to reforming Fiji’s child protection strategies and strengthening family frameworks, paving the way for a more inclusive society where every child is valued and supported. This positive outlook signifies hope for vulnerable communities in Fiji as the government seeks to implement meaningful change.
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