INSPIRE Pacific, a local non-profit organization, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully rehabilitating 17 former street children, who are now back in school. Co-founder Ben Morrison shared this success during an interview with The Fiji Times’ online news portal, noting that the organization has been in operation for five years, originally focusing on boys from juvenile detention centers before expanding their efforts to include children living on the streets and those who had stopped attending school.
Morrison emphasized that many children exiting juvenile rehabilitation programs often find themselves returning to the streets due to a lack of effective support systems. Without intervention, these youths risk being marginalized further and may eventually end up incarcerated. He recounted that the organization received its first group of boys after their release from a juvenile facility, where they provided guidance and assistance to help them reintegrate into society.
Inspire Pacific focuses on viewing these children not as “street kids” but as young individuals with untapped potential. Morrison drew from his own experiences, explaining that he had faced similar challenges as a youth. His passion drives him to guide at-risk youths towards a brighter future, acknowledging the influences that veer young people off their paths.
In addition to rehabilitation efforts, Inspire Pacific operates a creative arts school, emphasizing the importance of unlocking the talents of young Fijians. Morrison expressed concern over the lost opportunities for marginalized children and reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing guidance, education, and support to help these youths reintegrate and thrive in society.
This initiative resonates with similar movements across the nation. Recently, the Ministry of Youth and Sports profiled 140 vulnerable individuals living on the streets of Suva, which included collaboration with organizations such as Inspire Pacific and Kauwai Home of the Salvation Army that have successfully aided youths and their families. Their approaches are considered potential models for broader implementation across Fiji.
The combined efforts of the government and local organizations demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by at-risk youth. Community leaders, such as musicians and sports figures, have also contributed innovative strategies to engage and support these vulnerable populations, showcasing how collaboration and collective action can lead to meaningful change and hope for the future.
This ongoing commitment to empowering youth and fostering a supportive environment reflects a positive outlook for the future, emphasizing community engagement as a critical component in creating lasting change and opportunities for at-risk individuals in Fiji.
Leave a comment