Rising Demand: Fiji’s Children in Need of Support Soars by 25%

The Frank Hilton Organisation has observed a notable increase in the number of children requiring assistance, with cases escalating by 25 percent each year. Chief Executive Officer Sureni Perera highlights that many of these cases are identified during special awareness months, which emphasize the importance of early intervention and support services.

Based in Fiji, the Frank Hilton Organisation plays a vital role in providing support to children facing disabilities and developmental challenges. Perera noted that around awareness months, such as those focused on Cerebral palsy, there is a surge in referrals as parents and communities become more informed.

Fortunately, the organisation has witnessed a new positive trend: more children under the age of six are seeking help earlier in their development. This is a significant shift from the past when many children accessed services at much older ages, sometimes as late as 10, 13, or even 18 years old. Perera considers this development as an encouraging sign of improving awareness regarding the importance of early detection and intervention.

The Fijian government has allocated $900,000 to the Frank Hilton Organisation this year, and while Perera appreciates this support, she emphasizes the need for additional resources to adequately meet the growing demand for services. She acknowledges that while the government is doing what it can, there are competing priorities that make resource allocation challenging.

Perera suggests that alongside financial support, there is a need for a shift in policy and societal attitudes toward inclusion. She advocates for a deeper understanding of what inclusion entails and calls for efforts to change mindsets.

The Frank Hilton Organisation continues its mission to raise awareness and seek greater resources to support children with disabilities and developmental challenges throughout Fiji, striving for a future where every child receives the support they need.

This situation underscores the importance of early intervention in developmental challenges and highlights the progress being made in awareness and support. By embracing early intervention, communities in Fiji can foster a healthier, more inclusive environment for children with disabilities, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.