Missionary Sister Dedicates Time with Children

Every child needs love and protection, a sentiment shared by Saint Christopher’s Home sister-incharge Sister Kalolaine Tuineau. Sister Tuineau was part of the revised Inter-Agency Guidelines on Child Abuse and Neglect launched by the Minister for Women, Poverty and Children Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday.

“Children are very precious and they need to be cared for. That is why St Christopher exists,” Sister Tuineau said.

The home located at Naulu, Nakasi is run by the Anglican Church. The church started the Home in 1968 after it saw the need to care and protect neglected children.

The Home’s priority is that the children know God and be educated. “We are all responsible in protecting and bringing up children,” she said.

“It is important that everybody join hands to make sure that children are protected in every way and in any way they need protection.

The journey

Sister Tuineau has been with the home for 27 years.

“I’m excited working with children, those who are poor and vulnerable. We make sure that they are heard and given all the opportunity in life they need while growing up and to later become a responsible citizen of Fiji.”

Sister Tuineau said: “My life is different, because I grew up in Tonga, I love God and I always wanted to become a missionary.

“But I did not know that one day I would be working in the children’s Home. It’s a blessing to work with children, as the Home looks after children from different backgrounds.”

Challenges

Sister Tuineau said working at St Christopher’s was a challenge

“As Mother Theresa said, you see a child’s face, you see Christ,” she said.

“Whatever background, I see God in the face of every child that comes

to the Home.

“All children need love from their parents and from everyone, and every parent must be responsible.

“Most of the children raised there are now holding good jobs, as doctors, nurses, teachers and have grown to be loving mothers and

fathers raising healthy families in society.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Social Welfare and United Nat ions International Chi ldren’s Emergency Fund ( UNICEF) and stakeholders for their support, financial assistance and guidelines in our looking after the children.

There are 29 children at the Home now, the youngest is a one year six month old baby, while the eldest is 16 years- old.

Photo: Kelera Sovasiga. Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar holds Adi Rosela, with Sister Kalolaine Tuineau (left), Sister Vutulongo Tuinayau (right), children and staff members of St Christopher’s Home in Naulu, Nasinu, on October 10, 2020.