Twelve children have been removed from the streets over the past week as part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection to protect vulnerable youth across Fiji.
Kauwai Home played a key role in the operation, offering immediate shelter and care to several of the rescued children.
According to line minister Sashi Kiran, the facility was among the first to respond, working closely with the ministry and other partners to ensure safe placement and rehabilitation for the young people involved.
“As the ministry continues its efforts to provide sustainable exit pathways for our young girls and boys caught up in the cycle of loitering and street dwelling in our major urban centres, I yesterday joined stakeholders in their weekly Inter-Agency Exit Strategy Pathway Partnerships meeting conducted at the minister’s conference room,” Ms Kiran said.
“We continue to address this social issue adopting an integrated approach with the Fiji Police Force and relevant stakeholders to safeguard vulnerable young people from the dangers of street life while at the same time creating pathways to engage these youths in meaningful skills training and counselling opportunities with the objective that they are able to secure employment and live dignified lives.”
She said the approach focused not only on removing children from the streets but also on equipping them with skills, counselling, and employment opportunities.
“The ministry continues to address this social issue to safeguard vulnerable young people from the dangers of street life.”
Ms Kiran also highlighted the dangers faced by children on the streets, including exposure to drugs, violence, and the risk of HIV infection.
She encouraged the public to report any child at risk by calling the 24-hour toll-free Child Helpline on 1325.
The ministry also thanked Pearly Gates Home, Chevalier Training Facility, and the Fiji Police Force for their support in the initiative.