The need for strengthened partnership and teamwork is the commitment by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation to achieve goals of set out in its 2013 Annual Corporate Plan.
Minister Dr Luveni while launching the Annual Corporate Plan 2013 emphasised the contents to staff and partners who work closely with the Ministry to ensure that government achieves its goals and work schedule.
“The Annual Corporate Plan 2013 outlines the strategic plans and policies that have been designed to primarily complement vision of “Building a Better Fiji for All,” by “Reducing Poverty to a Negligible Level” and “Empowering the Disadvantaged and Women,” Dr. Luveni said.
Dr Luveni highlighted the 4 main goals of the Ministry as outlined in the Annual Corporate Plan 2013 as follows:
· Reduce Poverty to a Negligible Level by 2015 and the Ministry has been allocated a budget of $22.6 million for Poverty Benefit Scheme, target is 13,000 households to be assisted with maximum monthly allowance of $150 inclusive of the $30 food voucher
· “Advance Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women” and this would be achieved through the implementation of the Women’s Plan of Action (2010 to 2019) and also based on our commitment to the implementation of CEDAW, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.
· To strengthen Child Protection Services through various mechanisms, for example through protocols on adoption and foster care, audit of residential homes for minimum standards compliance to name few.
· To inculcate an inclusive and supportive environment for senior citizens and disabled persons. This year a National Council for Older Persons will be established to implement the framework of Fiji’s Policy for senior Citizens.
“These are the 4 major goals which will promote the Pillar 1 of the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress, “Ensuring Sustainable Democracy and Good and Just Governance.
“The Ministry will adhere to strict monitoring and evaluation procedures developed by the Prime Minister’s office and based on our Annual Corporate Plan to ensure that these targets and tangible results are achieved,” Dr. Luveni said.
Dr Jiko Luveni expressed her gratitude to staff of all divisions and partners who has rendered support contributing to the outputs for last year, 2012.
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