MATAIYASI Yaya lived on the streets of Suva when he was only 15, and he’s adamant that assistance from good Samaritans are only Band-Aid solutions.
This week, he pleaded on social media, calling on faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to stop feeding street kids but instead use long-term solutions to help them achieve their dreams and live better.
He said even though these organisations were doing good, “it does not necessarily mean it is effective in character build-up”.
Mr Yaya said meal drives discouraged street dwellers from pursuing employment and gave them a sense of dependency on the Government, NGOs and other religious groups.
“I oppose it because it encouraged me that time to stay put and wait for the next meal,” said Mr Yaya.
“Are we really trying to stop people from coming into the streets or are we encouraging them?
“Just look at the figures, it proves otherwise”
He pleaded with NGOs, religious groups and charity organisations to relook at their objectives and mission, and decide whether they’re trying to help the kids return home or are influencing more kids to stay.
Women, Children and Social Protection Ministry Sashi Kiran said the ministry and the Fiji Police Force have been working together to return these street kids to their homes.
“The ministry’s biggest concern is that these kids are at a high-risk exposure to drugs and HIV/AIDS,” Ms Kiran said.
