Quality Family Time Comes First for Rovereivalu

Placing priority on family life and welfare will solve many issues affecting iTaukei households today, says Iosefo Rovereivalu.

The outspoken 39-year-old is a former Roko Tui Nadi, who now conducts empowerment training in villages across the country. An empowerment video clip of the Assistant Roko of the iTaukei Affairs Board has been shared by many on social media.

After identifying issues that affect the affairs of iTaukei families, he said the problem in the country today started within the home.

“It is so disappointing to see our children wandering around the streets, especially in Suva City,” he said.

“At night we hardly see young children of other ethnic groups in Suva. Our Indo-Fijian children are hardly seen roaming the streets. We only see iTaukei children.

“For us iTaukei elders there are many functions we attend and spend less quality time with our family.

“Sometimes we make ourselves look pleasing in wearing ‘kalavata’, but the childrens’ clothes at home are worn out. We give offerings in church, but there are no school shoes for the children.” Sometimes we misinterpreted the Bible verse: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

“God has given us children as gifts that we should take care of and prioritise above anything else.”

He noted how iTaukei parents speak nicely to people in church, but at home they swear and curse their own children.

“It is not the Government, police, court, pastor or teacher who must take responsibilities to teach our children,” Mr Rovereivalu said. “After work when I get home, I totally leave my phone aside and spend the rest of the day with my family. Those few hours are the best time I can invest a lot to my children.’’