The Frank Hilton Organisation has observed a remarkable annual increase of 25 percent in the number of children needing assistance, according to Chief Executive Officer Sureni Perera. This trend has become particularly evident during awareness months, which serve to highlight the importance of early intervention and support for children with disabilities and developmental challenges in Fiji.
Perera noted that there is a noticeable spike in cases around these awareness months, especially during events such as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. While there are fluctuations in case referrals, she emphasized a promising new trend where younger children—specifically those under the age of six—are being referred for support earlier. This shift is a positive sign, as it suggests an increase in awareness regarding the significance of early detection and intervention.
Historically, many children would seek help much later, often around the ages of 10 to 18. The current trend toward earlier intervention is encouraging and demonstrates a growing public understanding of these issues.
In response to the growing demand for services, the government has allocated $900,000 to the Frank Hilton Foundation this year. While Perera expressed gratitude for this funding, she stressed that more resources are needed to adequately meet the increasing demand. She highlighted the need for a broader understanding of inclusion, suggesting that efforts should extend beyond funding to encompass policy changes and shifts in public mindset toward supporting children with disabilities.
The Frank Hilton Organisation remains dedicated to advocating for increased awareness and resources to better serve the needs of these children and families in Fiji.
This article highlights a significant societal shift toward recognizing and addressing the needs of children with disabilities, and the increasing support from organizations and the government reflects a promising movement towards inclusivity and early intervention.
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