FCOSS urges the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection to ensure that a referral system and the welfare graduation process is taken into consideration

The Fiji Council of Social Services is urging the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection to ensure that a referral system and the welfare graduation process is taken into consideration.

While responding to the statement made by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya regarding more people will be removed from the free bus fare initiative and those have been removed have been in the program for many years, the Excutive Director for Fiji Council of Social Services, Vani Catanasiga says the current contextual realities of families living on and below the poverty line as well as studies undertaken to gauge citizens ability to access social services and support across the public and not for profit sectors.

Catanasiga says these individuals require ongoing support to maintain a basic standard of living and care for their loved ones.

They say the rising cost of living has placed significant financial strain on numerous families, making it increasingly difficult for them to make ends meet.

They further say that it is crucial to recognise that some individuals may be unable to find employment due to their responsibilities as caregivers to disabled family members or as single parents caring for their children at home.

FCOSS says in many cases, individuals who have been receiving assistance for an extended period may be doing something out of genuine necessity.

They say that it is essential that the criteria for graduation taken into account and the genuine needs and challenges faced by those currently receiving support.

The Fiji Council of Social Services is also encouraging the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection to work towards strengthening the support systems available to vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring that those removed from welfare programs truly do not deserve to be supported any longer.

They also believe that by working together and ensuring that decisions are made with sensitivity and understanding where they can uphold the dignity and well-being of all members of our society, particularly those facing economic difficulties and caregiving responsibilities.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya in her ministry’s achievement for the year 2023 highlight, she stated that more people will be removed from the free bus fare initiative that was first implemented in 2017.