If there is a child who needs help, we need to find a way to help that child. We cannot simply leave the problem because it is difficult.
This is the message from Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran who is calling for stronger and more coordinated action to ensure no child in Fiji is left behind.
Kiran made the comments while opening a two-day planning meeting for staff of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
She says children are among the most vulnerable members of society and must remain at the centre of the Ministry’s work.
Kiran says the Ministry needs to respond more effectively to children facing difficult circumstances, including those who are out of school, living on the streets, affected by drugs, experiencing violence or facing challenges within their families.
She says protecting children cannot be the responsibility of one department or one Ministry alone and requires stronger cooperation across government, communities, families and other stakeholders.
Kiran also stressed the importance of strengthening families and parenting, saying early support can help prevent children from becoming vulnerable to neglect, violence, abuse and exploitation.
She has urged Ministry staff to speak openly about the challenges they see on the ground and bring forward practical solutions.
She says the staff are closest to the people who are struggling and they understand the challenges on the ground better than anyone.
The Minister also acknowledged the difficult and emotionally demanding work carried out by Ministry staff, particularly those working with vulnerable children and families.
She says greater attention must be given to the emotional and mental wellbeing of staff, as they also need support if they are expected to provide quality services to vulnerable communities.
She adds that the Ministry must continue working towards a people-centred service where every case is treated with care, dignity and compassion.
Also present was Selina Kuruleca, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice and Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
The two-day planning meeting provides an opportunity for Ministry staff to reflect on their work, identify challenges, strengthen coordination and develop practical solutions to improve services for women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of society.
