Fiji currently lacks a rehabilitation center for street children, according to Principal Welfare Officer Salote Biukoto. During the presentation of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection’s 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 annual reports to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Biukoto revealed that a taskforce is collaborating with faith-based organizations to secure a site for such a facility.
“We are presently working with the Methodist Church and the Salvation Army to determine if we can secure a location,” said Biukoto.
In terms of data on street children, Lautoka has 33 street kids, Suva has 11 who are full-time on the streets, and Nadi has five. The situation in Nakasi-Nausori is still under assessment. A recent profiling exercise documented over 15 children.
The ministry continues to seek budget allocations for the technical working group. Due to the lack of funds in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the ministry has relied on partners to provide shelter and reintegration programs for children. These efforts include housing in children’s residential homes or with families offering accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-Tropical Cyclone Harold.