INSPIRE Pacific, a local non-profit organisation, has successfully rehabilitated 17 former street children, all of whom are now back in school.
Co-founder Ben Morrison, during an interview with The Fiji Times’ online news portal The Lens@177, shared the organisation had been operating for five years, initially working with boys from juvenile detention centres. Over time, their efforts expanded to include children living on the streets and those who had dropped out of school.
Mr Morrison said many children who went through juvenile rehabilitation programs often returned to the streets because of a lack of effective support system.
Without intervention, he said, these children were at risk of eventually ending up in maximum-security prison.
“The first group of boys we received came out of the juvenile detention centre after serving their term, and we tried to help them get back on their feet,” Mr Morrison explained.
“Then we started broadening our reach, receiving referrals from the Ministry of Social Welfare and families whose children had dropped out of school or lost motivation to return.”
He said these children should not be labelled as “street kids” but rather young individuals with potential.
“I went through a similar journey — being in the wrong place at the wrong time and making mistakes.
“Even though I had positive influences around me, I understand how easily young people can go down the wrong path.
“That’s why I am passionate about guiding them toward a better future.”
Inspire Pacific also runs a creative arts school, and Mr Morrison said it played a crucial role in unlocking the talents of young Fijians.
He highlighted Fiji’s strong sporting and artistic potential and expressed concern about wasted opportunities for children who faced marginalisation. The organisation continues to work with at-risk youth, providing them with guidance, education, and support to reintegrate into society and build a better future.
