Our children deserve to be cared for in a holistic environment
Children, as rightfully articulated by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta, are the future of our country and they all deserve to be cared for in a holistic family environment.
This year’s theme is “Stronger Families, Safer Children”, reiterating the importance of bringing back family time.
Healthy families keep a good balance between “too much” and “not enough” time together. They spend enough time to satisfy all family members. Children learn to bring balance to their lives when they see their parents setting aside time for what they value. Parents have a sacred duty to their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another.
Children are often said as being the “future.” It is every parent’s obligation to give their child the richest childhood experience possible.
The Government also bears a fundamental responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for the nation’s youngsters, so that they can grow, flourish and keep the nation strong.
You’ve heard so many people say it – children are the future. And whether you yourself have children or not, that still rings true.
An education professor said: “Today’s children are tomorrow’s scientists, politicians, doctors and teachers. Today’s children will inherit all of what humanity has managed to accomplish since the beginning of its existence, both the good and honourable deeds and the cruel wars and terrible failures. It is the children of today that will be charged with protecting the weak and vulnerable of this world, and making even the hardest of decisions in order to do so.”
Something that all Fijians must join to abolish is the fight to eradicate child abuse.
It is a fact that child abuse is widespread in the country. Child abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual. It can also result from neglect. Abuse can result in serious injury to the child and possibly even death. And the sad thing is children don't always report the abuse right away because they are afraid, have been threatened or don't think they will be believed. Children must be told not to be afraid to report any abuse inflicted on them. We need to be their voice and speak up immediately.
The theme of this year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl is “Zero Tolerance on Violence Against Women and Children.”
One of the four chief guests Sirilo Turagamaivei said: “No violence is justifiable and it is preventable. Let us walk the talk and put an end to violence against our mothers, our aunties, our grandmothers, our wives, and our children.”
Another chief guest Akuila Niumataiwalu said: “On behalf of the children, I challenge all the parents and service personnel service to let your actions speak louder for this year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge. Please, be that role model that will help us grow into fine citizens of this country. Teach us how to combat the social ills of our nation.”