There are plans in place to expand the “Show You Care” initiative in the Western Division through the strengthened partnership between the Ministry of Women and the Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA).
Special notices in the form of stickers are placed above bus seats, backrests of designated seats and in front of buses to inform passengers that the seats should be given up for senior citizens, people with disabilities and expectant mothers when they board.
Part of the initiative includes placement of stickers on the back of bus seats carrying awareness messages against child abuse, domestic violence and other social issues. The messages include information on how people or victims can use the child helpline “1325” to seek help, report abuses, or how members of the public can help victims and those who need help.
Minister for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar says that the next phase of the program is to introduce, “Show You Care” in the Western Division.
“We are just looking at the availability of the dates to launch the program in the West. This initiative reflects on the importance of public private partnership in reaching out to make positive impacts in the lives of the disadvantaged members of our community. It’s a great platform, to inform and remind individuals to work together in looking after the welfare of our senior citizens and disabled persons.
“The Ministry is grateful to the Fiji Bus Operators Association for its tremendous support in making this initiative a reality. It is through the support of FBOA, that the Ministry is currently assisting 44,784 elderly citizens and 1,966 persons living with disabilities through the Bus Fare subsidy,” Minister Akbar said.
“The Ministry hopes to develop such partnerships with the Non-Government Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, Civil Society and corporate organisations to build an inclusive and supportive society for all Fijians.”
FBOA General Secretary Rohit Latchan said that they looked forward to a continued partnership with the Ministry. He said that plans are also in place to allocate 25 more buses in the central division to convey the message on “Show You Care.”
The “Show You Care” program was officially launched in Suva by Minister Akbar on Friday 10th July 2015. The initiative reserves seats in buses for senior citizens, people with disabilities and expectant mothers.