Education and employment opportunities are being used to help young people rebuild their lives after rehabilitation and reduce the risk of them returning to the streets.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said many young people were only able to return to education or employment after receiving rehabilitation support.
She said the ministry assessed the individual needs of people found on the streets and provided support that could include counselling, vocational training, rehabilitation, education and referrals to social protection services.
Ms Kiran said 28 young men had successfully completed the Blue Light Training Programme in partnership with the Fiji Police Force.
The program focused on discipline, responsibility, respect and positive decision-making, while participants received teamwork, life skills training, mentoring and self-awareness training.
She said educational and employment pathways were identified as part of the program.
For children in transitional and rehabilitation facilities, the ministry worked to match their interests with suitable educational and vocational opportunities.
“We have placed children in Chevalier Homes, including their vocational facility, as well as CATD Nadave facility,” she said.
Ms Kiran said the Government was also working with vocational facilities and employers to create opportunities for young people after rehabilitation.
She said the ministry had established Na Salavou, a drug rehabilitation facility for children in partnership with Empower Pacific.
It also supported the Salvation Army’s Kauwai Restoration Facility, which provides transitional care for children found on the streets.
Ms Kiran said the ministry also worked with the Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Local Government and faith-based organisations to reach young people from nearby settlements with education, sports and livelihood opportunities.
