In the Government’s commitment to advancing social inclusion policies and improving support for vulnerable populations in Fiji, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, met with officials from the Colombian Secretariat for Social Integration of Bogota to exchange insights and explore solutions for tackling exclusion, violence, and child protection.
The Colombian government’s social integration initiatives aim to address many of the challenges also common to Fiji, particularly in relation to vulnerable communities.
Minister Tabuya drew inspiration from Colombia’s 20 specialised care spaces, which provide comprehensive support and services for individuals at risk of violence, child exploitation, and other forms of marginalisation.
These services are designed to operate around the clock, offering a safe haven for those in need of urgent care and long-term rehabilitation.
Minister Tabuya also visited the Centro Amar (Centre of Love), a facility dedicated to supporting children and adolescents at risk, including those involved in child labour or whose parents work overnight.
At the Centre, children are provided with a nurturing environment that prioritises their development and wellbeing.
The centre’s model also emphasises integrating parents into the caregiving process, with a focus on strengthening family units and promoting violence-free parenting.
“It was a true inspiration to see the heart and love the centre offers the children. I was inspired by the relationships between the children and staff and how learning about empathy and relationships was a key part of their family-centred approach,” Minister Tabuya remarked.
Minister Tabuya highlighted the significance of focusing on social integration as the core of service delivery to vulnerable populations.
“Thinking about social integration as the focus of our work with vulnerable people was an inspiring paradigm shift. After all, isn’t that what we want? A society in which everyone feels included?”
Minister Tabuya also drew parallels between Colombia’s integrated family-focused model and Fiji’s new legislative reforms for child protection.
“As we shift our focus in Fiji from the removal of children in need of protection to supporting family recovery, these service models provide us with insights to make this vision a reality,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that these models serve as an important reference point for Fiji as it continues to evolve its social support systems and strengthen families across the nation.
The visit comes ahead of the presentation of the Fiji Government Pledge to end violence against children and the First Global Minister’s Conference on Child Protection.
