THE core focus must be placed back on families rather than blaming stakeholders tasked with caring for the child, says Adult and Teen Challenge Fiji director Pastor David Epi Ligairi.
“There are so many blame games,” Mr Ligairi said during discussions on who was responsible for the growing number of youth street dwellers.”
“Everybody is blaming the church, the schools or the police, but I think it’s the family. We need to strengthen the family because that’s the first school, that’s the first place they learn about life.”
Mr Ligairi said turning a blind eye to these challenges was exacerbating the issue.
“If there is no proper family education for families today, then we always come back to the same problem again. Even when you go to churches, the pastors, the priests, they are saying that’s not our job.”
“We need to reach out to everybody, don’t blame the Government, don’t blame anybody else, go back to the family.”
Mr Ligairi said support groups and NGOs need to come on board to help families facing separation.
“We have so many orphanages, like Veilomani Boys Home and Treasure Home, I believe they can provide the platform. So, if they’re missing out on something then we cannot just neglect them.”
