The director of Adult and Teen Challenge Fiji, Pastor David Epi Ligairi, has emphasized the importance of focusing on family dynamics as a primary solution to the growing issue of youth homelessness in Fiji. Ligairi argued that instead of engaging in blame games where churches, schools, and the police are pinpointed as responsible parties, the emphasis should return to strengthening family units. He stated, “The family is the first school, that’s the first place they learn about life,” highlighting that a lack of family education perpetuates the cycle of homelessness.
In his remarks, Ligairi criticized the tendency of many to overlook familial issues, citing the need for a collective approach that does not shift blame onto external stakeholders like the government or NGOs. He called for increased involvement from community organizations to support families facing difficulties such as separation and neglect. An important part of this support, he believes, can come from existing orphanages like Veilomani Boys Home and Treasure Home, which can serve as critical platforms for assistance.
This perspective aligns with insights from Ben Morrison, executive director of Inspire Pacific, who has pointed out that many of the challenges faced by the youth stem from broken family structures, particularly emphasizing the crucial role of fathers in parenting. Morrison’s program, “The World Needs A Father,” aims to equip men with the necessary skills for effective fatherhood. He echoed the sentiment that addressing family dynamics is essential for nurturing healthier futures for children.
Additionally, the Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya, has also reiterated the significance of family circumstances in addressing the rising number of homeless children in urban areas. She has highlighted the need for comprehensive measures that tackle the root causes of homelessness linked to factors such as substance abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
Collectively, these discussions point to a shared vision of collaboration among families, community organizations, and local leaders to create a nurturing environment for children. The aim is to generate long-term positive outcomes for the youth, shifting them away from life on the streets towards a more stable, supportive future anchored in familial strength. There is a renewed hope that with combined efforts and a focus on foundational family relationships, meaningful change can be achieved in reducing youth homelessness in Fiji.
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