Reimagining Futures: Tackling Youth Homelessness in Suva

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has recently reported on the profiling of 140 young individuals living on the streets of Suva. This group includes 40 women and eight children under the age of ten. In response to this pressing issue, Minister Jese Saukuru has spearheaded a high-level delegation to collaborate with Social and Child Protection teams. The aim is to develop rehabilitation and diversion pathways for those identified in this initiative.

Additionally, the ministry plans to carry out a similar profiling exercise in the Western Division, indicating a broader commitment to address the needs of vulnerable youth across the nation. A working group, led by the Permanent Secretaries from both ministries, will oversee the implementation of these initiatives to ensure effective execution.

In a collaborative effort, organizations such as Inspire Pacific and Kauwai Home of the Salvation Army shared valuable insights from a rehabilitation program they recently finished, which successfully assisted 17 youths and their families. Their approach serves as a model for expanding rehabilitation efforts throughout the country.

The meeting also featured contributions from community leaders. Notably, musician Seru Serevi discussed his engagement with street dwellers through music as a means of rehabilitation, while rugby legend Seremaia Bai highlighted his work with 500 children and youth through his rugby academy, sharing his experiences as a framework for outreach.

Both ministries have expressed their commitment to collaborating with existing programs as vehicles for rehabilitation and are eager to expand these initiatives into other divisions. This holistic and inclusive strategy aims to address the multifaceted challenges that vulnerable youth face, providing hope and support for a better future.

This ongoing collaboration between government entities and community leaders illustrates a positive step forward in addressing the needs of at-risk youths and reinforces the importance of community involvement in empowering young people.