A lot of young people turned up in yellow to support the Yellow Ribbon empathy walk that was held in Suva last week. Parents took their children to not only participate in the walk but to also learn about giving second chances under the Yellow Ribbon Program.
The Minister for Children, Lynda Tabuya, was the chief guest at the morning walk organised by the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS).
The walk which started in 2008, according to the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is under the Yellow Ribbon Program.
The initiative was created with the objective of educating communities on their roles and responsibilities towards ensuring the successful reintegration of inmates upon their release.
With the theme ‘Walk of Empathy’ many turned up in their yellow T-shirts to support the program.
“Yellow is the colour of love, there are thousands of us here today (July 1) and I am so thankful to the families who brought their children, the elderly and our people living with disabilities who made an effort to come out this morning to show their unity, love and support for this cause,” Ms Tabuya said.
She encouraged all Fijians to continue to raise awareness on the issue and to continue with the acceptance of inmates after serving their time.
She added that it was important to show support through actions towards people who already served their time.
Babies in strollers, toddlers and children from the ages of six to 18 were part of the long walk.
There were more than 3000 participants at this year’s walk. The Fiji Corrections Service provides entertainment through the FCS voice of hope, the FCS band, meke and dances.
