Street dwellers find safe homes

Great news as 45 street dwellers who participated in the Methodist Church Easter Camp in the Western Division didn’t return to the streets.

The Ministry of Sports says nine of them were reunited with their families, while the rest found temporary safe homes in Nadi.

These 45 street dwellers were part of the Ministry’s Easter on the Park program and have successfully completed the Seed of Success and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights training.

The Ministry says they took bold steps by presenting the Matanigasau to the families of the street dwellers, addressing any wrongdoing and fostering reconciliation.

The Ministry also arranged for some street dwellers to stay in safe houses in Nadi and Mulomulo while they are working on establishing a permanent safe home in collaboration with the other relevant Ministries of Government.

The Ministry adds that a job search program is in the works for the street dwellers, with plans to bring in employers for a job fair where they can connect with potential employers.

The Ministry is committed to supporting the street dwellers until they are all employed.

Meanwhile, Viti Roofing & Construction have stepped in to provide job opportunities for the street dwellers.

Executive Manager Director, Maciu Naivalu says being a resident of Lautoka, the work the Ministry has been doing is inspiring in trying to provide opportunities for these youths.

He says they will provide these youths a chance to come to the workforce and see if there is a trade in the industry that will fit them.