Young people get trapped in cycles of poverty, substance abuse and behavioral disorders and can’t break free – Kiran

Statistics reveal that many young people drop out early from school, and many get trapped in cycles of poverty, substance abuse and behavioral disorders with limited opportunities to break free.

Minister for Children Sashi Kiran highlighted this at the graduation ceremony for the Inspire Pacific: Tagane Mai Program, where she says these issues not only affect the individuals but has ripple effects across the families and communities.

Kiran says there is neglect, abuse, and challenges around parenting as support systems of extended families are breaking down and the added issue of easy access to drugs continues to be a challenge.

The Minister acknowledged and thanked passionate community leaders like Pastor Ben, Pastor Clark, Pastor Mani and so many of the volunteers who have been so committed.

She says people like them have actually changed the destiny of many young people without anybody's help, just purely through their own voluntary work.

Kiran says they had taken the role voluntarily because they care and have gone to great lengths to ensure the development of sustainable programs.

She also acknowledged the team at Inspire Pacific.

The Minister says they have gone to great lengths to ensure they developed a very well thought through program of rehabilitation.

She says they have not been rigid, they have paused, reflected, changed, amended their program to make sure it is sustainable, following it through despite it not being an easy journey.

Kiran says through this program they have come to the conclusion that children need a father figure and even her conversations with the Inspire Pacific team keeps bringing the conversation of the need for a father.

She says asks do we think about the role of a father in Fiji in nurturing and shaping the destiny for young people, how do we create that space.

The Minister asks how do they involve the program to get men who have healed themselves, because they see a very high level of violence against children who become men, who continue the cycle of violence.

She asks how do we pause and make sure those who have healed themselves, those who are ready and live holistic lives to volunteer to help guide our young men.

Kiran says she is hoping that men will take up the challenge and create a group of volunteers to see how they can support this program or how they can create more fathers for these children.