Mark Halabe, managing director of Mark One Apparel, has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of workplace childcare centers, citing their potentially harmful impacts on young children’s well-being. Reflecting on the experience of establishing Fiji’s first daycare facility at their Valelevu factory five years ago, Halabe shared insights from an internal survey conducted among employees, which aimed to address a need for skilled labor.
With around 400 employees, primarily female and many of whom are mothers, the company sought to create an in-house childcare facility. The Market Development Facility supported this initiative with $25,000 for design and a total investment of $400,000 for construction. The center initially catered to 30 preschoolers, including children from other nearby companies in the tax-free zone. However, enrollment dwindled to 12 before the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately led to its closure.
Halabe noted the hardships faced by working parents, particularly in the garment industry, where mothers are required to start work as early as 7:30 am. This necessitates waking children at 4 am and keeping them at the workplace until the end of the workday, often resulting in prolonged hours away from home. He described this situation as “cruel,” a sentiment echoed by many parents who ultimately preferred to pay neighbors for childcare instead of utilizing the workplace option.
Halabe advocates for community childcare centers, urging the government to shift its focus in addressing childcare needs. The Ministry of Employment has been approached for comments regarding this issue.
This discussion raises important considerations about the balance between parental work obligations and child welfare. As companies and governments navigate these complexities, there is potential for innovative solutions that better support families while promoting workforce participation.
In summary, Halabe’s reflections shed light on the challenges of workplace childcare, emphasizing the need for community-based solutions that prioritize children’s well-being. This stakeholder input could shape future policies and support systems for working families, ensuring that both children and parents are served effectively.
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