Children living on the streets will no longer face each day without care and protection, as a new Child Wellbeing Centre is set to support vulnerable children across Fiji’s four Divisions.
Minister for Children Sashi Kiran highlighted this during the Memorandum of Agreement signing between the Ministry and Humanity Fiji, saying that the proposed Child Wellbeing Centre will provide a safe, supportive and rehabilitative environment for children in need of care and protection.
Kiran says the facility will serve as a key platform for coordinated interventions, including access to social services, psychosocial support, referral pathways, and reintegration programmes.
She stresses that this initiative aims to strengthen child protection systems and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable children, in line with the Ministry’s mandated role under the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and the Child Justice Act 2024.
She adds the Ministry will continue to work with key stakeholders, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure that every child in Fiji grows up safe, protected, and supported.
The Minister emphasises that the initiative aligns with national priorities to protect children from neglect, exploitation and abuse, while also addressing the root causes that lead to children living and working on the streets.
Meanwhile, Interim National Director of Habitat for Humanity Fiji, Sangita Kumar, says the organisation is honoured to partner with the Government in advancing the wellbeing of vulnerable children.
Kumar says the construction of the Child Wellbeing Centre will begin following the completion of technical and implementation arrangements, with the facility designed to meet the specific needs of children requiring care and protection services.
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