According to media reports the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection has made a public statement that a street children’s
rehabilitation centre will be opened at Serua, Namosi.
This is to be done in conjunction with the Methodist Church in Fiji. This is a great idea and let’s hope that it will achieve its stated
aim.
The government of the day is focusing heavily on children’s education and other issues such as bus fares and back to school help.
These steps are certainly timely and praiseworthy. But despite all this help, some children still end up in our streets as indicated by the figures released by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
The street children (boys and girls) are a huge nuisance!
They indulge in all sorts of illegal and antisocial activities such as consuming drugs, pushing drugs, stealing, bag snatching and prostitution, etc.
All these leave a very bitter taste in our mouths.
They are a clear reflection that not all is well in our society. Perhaps the poverty level is unsustainable.
Abuse and violence on children within the family could be other factors.
It is stated by the minister that these children (under 17) will be taught skills, which can be used to earn their bread and butter honestly.
However, some street children have opted to stay in the streets as it seems to be a better option!
Will the ministry allow this to happen? In my view, all street children should be taken, even if by force.
The street children saga will not stop despite all the great intentions the ministry may have. New children will appear on our
streets and this rehabilitation exercise will have to be continued.
For this, ample resources will have to be provided or else it will be a failure.
I wish the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection and the Methodist Church in Fiji every success!
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