MODEL Towns Charitable Trust general manager Paul Forrest has highlighted the social challenges facing families within the Koroipita community, calling for a greater focus on male responsibility and domestic stability.
Koroipita, located near Lautoka City is home to a significant number of vulnerable families, including 57 single parents. Mr Forrest said many of these residents have arrived at the Model Town seeking refuge from difficult backgrounds.
“Currently they have 57 single parents in the community and some have come from domestic violence situations,” Mr Forrest said. “We have had some deplorable cases where fathers have abandoned families to pursue a selfish life.”
While acknowledging the importance of current social movements, Mr Forrest suggested that addressing the behaviour and roles of men is a critical component of family welfare.
“Today we hear a lot about women’s empowerment which has its place but we would like to see more done to teach men to fulfil their domestic responsibilities in providing for their families and being inspiring role models to their wives and children. He said a shift in male responsibility would provide a stronger foundation for mothers within the homes.
“This would in turn empower women to fulfil their natural callings as mothers, being able to give much more attention to raising children with good scruples and morals,” Mr Forrest said.
