Three key stories are featured on the front page of The Fiji Times for Tuesday, May 13. One notable discussion comes from Ani Naivalu, a member of the women’s fellowship at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva, who addressed the assembly after the Mother’s Day service. She shared insight on the complex challenges faced by mothers today, particularly in their efforts to instill meaningful values in their children amid a rapidly changing social landscape.
Mrs. Naivalu emphasized the traditional role of mothers as providers within the home but urged recognition of their expanded responsibilities in the wider community. In her view, the current social environment presents numerous hurdles that hinder mothers’ abilities to guide their children effectively. She specifically mentioned the pervasive influence of mobile phones as a growing concern, suggesting that many children are drawn away from family time and values by their digital devices. Alongside the challenges posed by technology, she highlighted pressing issues such as drug addiction that complicate the parenting landscape.
Despite these obstacles, Mrs. Naivalu remains optimistic, asserting that mothers can still lead their families with strength and faith. She called for community support, open dialogues, and active parental involvement to help reclaim the role of guiding children in a positive direction. By fostering environments where children feel valued and heard, families can create meaningful interactions that counteract the negative implications of addiction and digital distractions.
Additionally, her observations resonate with recent statements made by Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, who highlighted a similar need for community and government collaboration to uplift and support families in Fiji. Both Mrs. Naivalu and Minister Kiran advocate for stronger family connections and collective efforts to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere conducive to children’s healthy development.
As discussions around these topics continue, there is hope that communities will actively engage to foster resilience and positive family dynamics, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for the younger generation.
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