This year, Father's Day will look a bit different but it is still a chance to show love to the Elders who show us fatherly love and support. The celebration of Father’s Day reminds us about both the importance and the challenges of fatherhood.
These were the sentiments of the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar while celebrating Father's Day with the senior citizens at the Golden Age Home in Samabula, Suva, yesterday.
While addressing the residents at the Golden Age Home, Minister Akbar said that Father's Day serves as the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to our personal hero, our beloved father.
Minister Akbar highlighted the importance of having compassion, empathy, love, care, respect as an individual and as a family to look after our parents while they are still alive. “Our elders share the wisdom with us and our family that we should treasure. I encouraged families to look after our elders as nothing can replace the affection, love and warmth of a family”.
She says the Ministry will ensure the oldest and most frail Fijians will receive the respect and care that supports their dignity, and recognises the contribution that they have made to society.
“I salute and congratulate all the residents and the Ministry Staff at the Golden Age Home Suva for achieving the 100% vaccination coverage for all its residents and staff. Having a whole of government approach in fighting COVID, we commended the serious adherence to the safety and discipline measures practised in the Home. These protocols and sacrifices echoes the great achievement in ensuring the safety of the residents and staff by preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“I encourage the Carers to maintain and elevate the care, dignity and respect of the Elders in our Golden Age Home. The Fijian Government recognises and believes that we owe our elders an adequate service to lead a life with dignity, peaceful and respectful”.
Since the 2021-2022 Budget, the Government provides the Social Pension Scheme with a budget of $55.3 million, National Council of Older Persons $0.2 million and State Aged Care Homes $3.4 million. This will improved the quality of care by strengthening aged care provider governance, and improve oversight of home care which will ensure the elders in Fiji are healthy and safe.
Inoke Qalova, 86 years old, a resident of the Golden Age Home said that he was very happy to meet Minister Akbar and also celebrate this memorable event. While meeting with the Minister, Mr Qalova acknowledged her presence for organising this Father’s Day Celebration at the Holden Age Home.
“I would like to thank the Carers for taking care of the residents at the Homes and for treating us with love,” said Golden Age Home resident, Faizal Ali.
Minister Akbar wished all fathers a Happy Father’s Day.