It is encouraging to know that a taskforce has been formed to address the issue of street kids in the country.
For what it is worth, this is a significant step forward.
The move brings together government agencies, faith-based organisations and civil society groups.
Principal welfare officer Salote Biukoto, confirmed this during the presentation of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection’s submission to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs on their 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Annual Reports last week.
“We are also working with Salvation Army, Hanisi Ministries, St Vincent Home and Assemblies of God to provide shelter on a short-term basis while the ministry works with the families,” she said.
She said the taskforce was also working with civil society organisations to assist with intervention and profiling of cases on the streets.
In 2023, the Vicar General of the Catholic Church, Father Sulio Turagakacivi, spoke about the connection between social issues and emotional needs.
Mr Turagakacivi said social issues such as drugs and gender-based violence could be connected to people not meeting their emotional needs.
Just last month, Suva City Council special administrators chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa spoke about street kids being a major concern in the city.
He spoke about the need to address the issue.
We learn that in terms of education, the taskforce worked closely with relevant ministries and higher education institutions in enrolling children into courses, as well as in schools if they wanted to return to school.
There would be a lot of questions though.
Why are kids sleeping on the streets for starters?
Where are their families?
It is tough trying to understand why this is happening.
The challenge falls back on us to try and understand the complex issues that street kids face to put together appropriate action to address them.
Many of them have been misunderstood. Many may have come from broken families.
Many have fallen foul of the law, and some are mischievous.
So this latest revelation is definitely going to be welcomed with open arms by those already engaged.
It offers a glimmer of hope for street kids and demonstrates commitment to addressing what is a major challenge.
The taskforce’s approach brings together the power of collaboration, compassion, with a sense of responsibility.
So we encourage more discussions to address concerns, and find ways to bring some semblance of order to the lives of our street kids.
We look forward to regular updates on the progress of the program and hope it will positively impact the lives of our street kids and serve as inspiration for us all to unite for a common cause.
