Social workers throughout Fiji and the Pacific are gearing up to tackle the increasing challenges involved in protecting vulnerable groups as the Talanoa Moana Symposium commences this week in Suva. This two-day event, supported by the Association of Fiji Social Work along with partners from New Zealand and Hawaii, provides a collaborative platform to enhance cooperation, exchange best practices, and elevate professional standards within the social work sector.
The symposium arrives at a pivotal moment, as highlighted by Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, who met with the organizing team recently. She acknowledged the growing role of social workers, who are increasingly on the frontlines of addressing issues related to poverty, violence, and inequality.
Association President Malakai Kaitani updated the Minister on ongoing strategies to build capacity among social workers, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate complex social issues. The symposium, which opens on Thursday at the USP Japan ICT Theatre, will feature prominent speakers from Australia, New Zealand, government sectors, and various NGOs.
This event represents a part of ongoing efforts in Fiji and the broader Pacific region to boost interagency coordination and share progressive solutions to social challenges. Recent related initiatives have involved enhancing child protection frameworks and the enactment of new legislative measures like the Child Protection and Child Justice Bills, which aim to offer better pathways for dealing with youth involved in legal matters.
Fiji’s proactive stance on social welfare and protection provides a hopeful outlook for the region’s future. By fostering collaborative efforts and empowering social workers with the necessary tools and knowledge, the Symposium not only seeks to improve immediate social outcomes but also aims to inspire long-term resilience and well-being for vulnerable communities across the Pacific.
Leave a comment