Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, recently engaged in discussions with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration in Bogota to address significant challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Fiji, including exclusion, violence, and child protection.
Colombia’s government has implemented social integration initiatives that resonate with the struggles experienced in Fiji, particularly regarding its vulnerable populations. During her visit, Minister Tabuya was particularly inspired by Colombia’s creation of 20 specialized care facilities, which offer continuous support for individuals at risk of violence, child exploitation, and other forms of marginalization. These centers provide both immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation in a safe environment.
At the Centro Amar, a facility dedicated to supporting at-risk children and adolescents, Tabuya observed a nurturing atmosphere conducive to their development and wellbeing. The center’s model not only fosters a caring environment but also emphasizes the involvement of parents in the caregiving process, thereby promoting strong family units and violence-free parenting practices.
Minister Tabuya expressed her admiration for the dedication shown by the staff at the center and highlighted the importance of empathy and relationship-building in their family-centered approach. She described the visit as truly inspirational and asserted that prioritizing social integration is crucial when providing services to those in need.
Emphasizing a shift in perspective, she noted, “Thinking about social integration as the focus of our work with vulnerable people was an inspiring paradigm shift. After all, isn’t that what we want? A society in which everyone feels included?” Tabuya drew parallels between Colombia’s family-focused model and Fiji’s upcoming legislative reforms related to child protection.
“In Fiji, we are transitioning from merely removing children in need of protection to supporting family recovery. These service models provide us insights to make this vision a reality,” she remarked.
As Fiji prepares to present its Government Pledge to end violence against children and gears up for the First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection, this visit underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing its social support systems and reinforcing family structures.
This initiative reflects a hopeful commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive society, demonstrating that international collaboration can bring about positive change. The insights gained from Colombia could be pivotal in reimagining Fiji’s approach to vulnerable populations and improving child protection mechanisms across the nation.
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