Dilkusha Home in Nausori has been recognised for its deep historical connection to the Girmit era and its continued role in caring for vulnerable children in Fiji for more than 120 years.
Established in 1904 by the Indian Division of the Methodist Church, the Home was founded during a period when indentured labourers and their families faced significant hardship, poverty and uncertainty in colonial Fiji.
The institution traces its beginnings to a deeply moving incident in 1904, when two abandoned infants were found in a basket at the Indian Christian Mission, inspiring missionaries to establish a safe refuge for vulnerable children that later became known as Dilkusha Home.
The Home has since supported thousands of children from different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds, while remaining committed to its founding mission of providing shelter, safety, love and care.
During a visit to the Home today, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh acknowledged the historical contributions of missionary figures including Pastor John Williams, Hannah Dudley, Reverend John Burton and Mary Austen, whose work among the Girmitiya community helped establish support systems for those in need during the Girmit era.
Singh says as the nation marks the 147th Girmit Commemoration, it is important to reflect not only on the hardships faced by the Girmitiyas, including separation from families, harsh working conditions and uncertainty, but also on their resilience, faith, unity and perseverance that helped lay the foundation for modern Fiji.
He says the story of Dilkusha Home is closely linked to the broader Girmit narrative, representing how compassion and service emerged during one of the most difficult periods in Fiji’s history and continues to inspire generations today.
