It is critical for street dwellers to be assisted - Tabuya

It is critical for street dwellers to be assisted and alleviated from a life of poverty to one of productivity.

This has been highlighted by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya while speaking during the Street Kids Joint Stakeholder Meeting that was conducted at Suvavou House yesterday.

Convened by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, the objective of the meeting was to brief government ministers and leaders of faith based organisations in attendance, of the work undertaken by the Ministry in partnership with several civil society organizations, in the collective effort to create sustainable pathways for young street dwellers.

Tabuya also commended the integrated approach being adopted.

She also acknowledged the commitment shown by the leaders of the faith based organisations that were present stating that the government needed the support of the Church to actively engage with parents and guardians of the young street dwellers to ensure a holistic approach is adopted towards their successful reintegration.

Attorney General Siromi Turaga says they are there because the government needs their expertise to strengthen this inter-agency approach, initiated to address the issue of children resorting to life on the streets.

He says the solution to this issue lies with all of them, and as parliamentarians this is why they are there - to serve the nation.

The Street Kids Joint Stakeholder Meeting, which was chaired by the Attorney General Siromi Turaga, was attended by the Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for I-Taukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, Lynda Tabuya, Sashi Kiran, Ministry Permanent Secretary Eseta Nadakuitavuki and Coordinator for Mental Health at the Ministry of Health Dr Maria. Also present were representatives from the Fiji Council of Churches, leaders of faith based organisations, senior officers of the Fiji Police Force, representatives from civil society organisations such as Inspire Pacific and Aruka Fiji.