Dilkusha Home, celebrating its 121st year, has remained a vital refuge for children placed there due to unsafe home environments rather than because they are orphans. Currently housing just 16 children, the head matron, Deaconess Luse Rarawabogi, notes a decrease in numbers attributed to changing management approaches in child protection, with many children entering the facility through court orders or social welfare interventions resulting from neglect or abuse.
Rarawabogi emphasizes that, while the home provides stability, the real challenges lie in helping these children overcome their trauma, which is often reflective of their past experiences. “These children come from diverse backgrounds, which means they bring with them their experiences, lessons, and environments. While it can be challenging to rehabilitate them, it is our responsibility to ensure they are cared for and supported in becoming the best versions of themselves,” she stated.
As Dilkusha Home marks over a century of service, its ongoing mission to transform fewer lives but with deeper impact resonates strongly with the broader conversations around child welfare in Fiji. Recent statistics highlight a pressing need for support networks for vulnerable children across the nation. Organizations like ARUKA Fiji have called for community involvement, especially from religious institutions, to tackle related issues of homelessness and neglect among children.
With the combined efforts of facilities like Dilkusha Home and community organizations, there is hope for a brighter future for these children, ensuring they have a safe environment conducive to healing and growth. The community’s role in this effort cannot be understated; it’s through collective action that positive change can occur, ultimately guiding these children towards a more stable and nurturing future.
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