1. CHILD PROTECTION IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY: KOROIVUETA
As the Fijian Government continues to invest in the future of Fiji’s children through the development of the education sector, health and welfare, it has also become the responsibility of the parents and guardians to realize the importance of their parental role.
2. STUDENTS VISIT NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF FIJI
Students of the School of Governance, Development and International Affairs of the University of the South Pacific Post Graduate Studies have lauded the services of the National Archives of Fiji. The visit to the National Archives was to assist students in understanding the functions of the Department and the type of primary and secondary resources available.
1. CHILD PROTECTION IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY: KOROIVUETA
As the Fijian Government continues to invest in the future of Fiji’s children through the development of the education sector, health and welfare, it has also become the responsibility of the parents and guardians to realize the importance of their parental role.
This message was highlighted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Permanent Secretary, Dr Josefa Koroivueta while officially opening the PCAN (Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) Awareness Program held at the Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva, yesterday.
The event began with a march procession from the flea market to Ratu Sukuna Park by the students of Suva Methodist Primary School, Dudley High School, Dudley Intermediate School, Holy Trinity, Marist Brothers High School, John Wesley, Cathedral High School and Suva Grammar School.
Over 100 students from these schools in central division had the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar. The event was based on the theme, “It’s your turn to make a difference: stop child sexual abuse”.
Dr Koroivueta said that raising awareness on child protection is a key strategy to stopping violence against children.
“The Universal Children’s Day, which is established by the United Nations, is commemorated annually on 20th November. It promotes international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. And through increased awareness, we will ensure that no child is deprived of the care and support. Children have a special place in our society and they will be the future leaders of this nation.
“In 2014, 48 percent of our Child Welfare Decree Cases recorded were on sexual abuse. These cases were reported by the officers in social welfare, health, education and police. We believe that due to increase awareness, people are reporting in bigger numbers. The Ministry has also put in place measures to ensure that children are able to get the information and support they need at the given point in time.
“The Fijian Government has created platforms for the children in Fiji to have their voices heard through the National Child Helpline, “1325.” Through the Helpline children are able to seek counselling, advice, and report cases of abuse. Even parents can use the Helpline if they require advice on positive parenting or women at this point in time are also using the number to report domestic violence cases,” Dr Koroivueta said.
Meanwhile, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in the Pacific, Isabelle Austin has commended the Fijian Government for its concerted effort to promote safer communities for children and women.
“UNICEF is proud of its partnership with Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. We are extremely impressed with investment made by the Government of Fiji in strengthening implementation of the rights of the children. And this commitment is projected through the 2016 budget, the Government of Fiji has provided increased allocation to the social sector.
“Fiji is leading by example among all the Pacific Island Countries in providing the care and protection allowances for most vulnerable children in Fiji. We are also extremely pleased with the success of the National Child Helpline.”
Today’s celebration calls for renewed call for action to prevent child abuse. UNICEF looks forward for strengthened partnership with the Ministry to build a brighter future for the children in Fiji,” Mrs Austin elaborated.
2. STUDENTS VISIT NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF FIJI
Students of the School of Governance, Development and International Affairs of the University of the South Pacific Post Graduate Studies have lauded the services of the National Archives of Fiji.
The visit to the National Archives was to assist students in understanding the functions of the Department and the type of primary and secondary resources available.
In an organised tour today, the students were given an overview of access levels for both closed and open records and the volume of the records in the Archives holdings.
Sela Epeli a Post Graduate Diploma student that was part of the group shared on her view of the tour.
“The whole purpose of coming to this organisation is my interest in carrying out a family trace of my grandfather who was a British Official sent to Rotuma and finding out what happened to him when he went back to England,” Mr Epeli said.
The tour today has been very helpful. I enjoyed visiting all the sections.
For me the Library and Archives Admin Sections were the most interesting for me. I got a lot of information on the processes I will go through and what I will need for my research.
“The National Archives is a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.”
A total of 12 students from the School of School of Governance, Development and International Affairs of the University of the South Pacific Post Graduate Studies visited NAF.