MINISTER for Employment Agni Deo Singh has urged PALM Scheme workers to ensure their family units are intact despite the distances they will experience while working overseas.
Speaking in Nadi recently, Mr Singh said the success of the labour mobility scheme should be measured not only by income earned overseas but by stronger families, better opportunities for children and lasting benefits for communities.
Speaking at the opening of the Fiji Family Focus Workshop in Nawaka, Nadi, Mr Singh welcomed close to 100 returning and potential workers and family members.
He said Fijians often sought overseas employment to provide better education for their children, improve their homes, build savings and investments and create greater financial security.
However, he cautioned that financial gains should never come at the expense of family relationships.
“We must never allow temporary physical distance to become permanent emotional distance.
“Money alone cannot raise a child.
“Our children need love, guidance, discipline, protection and positive role models.”
He called on the workers to develop clear savings, investment, education and family plans to ensure every sacrifice made through overseas employment contributes to a better future.
