Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister, Lynda Tabuya, has expressed alarm over the increasing incidents of child neglect in the country. She is calling on both parents and the broader community to take a more active role in the wellbeing of children.
Ms. Tabuya emphasized that while the government can provide support, the primary responsibility lies with parents and guardians to nurture their families. She highlighted the importance of the family unit and urged parents to engage more substantially in their children’s lives, rather than being distracted by technology. According to her, children are craving more meaningful interactions with their parents.
In correlation with the rise in child neglect, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro provided troubling statistics indicating that 5,726 students dropped out of school before reaching Year 10 between 2019 and 2023. In light of these figures, Ms. Tabuya proposed that education should become compulsory in Fiji. She believes that now that education is offered for free, parents must also fulfill their obligation to ensure their children attend school regularly.
This call to action reflects a growing recognition of the role families and communities play in child development and education. With increased awareness and responsibility from parents, there is potential for positive change in the lives of children across Fiji, fostering a more supportive environment where they can thrive.
In summary, Minister Tabuya’s statements underscore the crucial intersection of parental responsibility and child welfare, encouraging collective efforts to address the urgent issues of child neglect and educational dropout rates within the country. Creating a culture of accountability among parents could significantly enhance children’s lives and futures.
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