Young people get trapped in cycles of poverty, substance abuse and behavioral disorders and can’t break free – Kiran
Kiran says families breaking down because of easy access to drugs

Young people get trapped in cycles of poverty, substance abuse and behavioral disorders and can’t break free – Kiran

Kiran says families breaking down because of easy access to drugs

By Alipate Narawa
25/01/2025

Statistics reveal that many young people drop out early from school, and many get trapped in cycles of poverty, substance abuse and behavioral disorders with limited opportunities to break free.

Minister for Children Sashi Kiran highlighted this at the graduation ceremony for the Inspire Pacific: Tagane Mai Program, where she says these issues not only affect the individuals but has ripple effects across the families and communities.

Kiran says there is neglect, abuse, and challenges around parenting as support systems of extended families are breaking down and the added issue of easy access to drugs continues to be a challenge.

The Minister acknowledged and thanked passionate community leaders like Pastor Ben, Pastor Clark, Pastor Mani and so many of the volunteers who have been so committed.

She says people like them have actually changed the destiny of many young people without anybody's help, just purely through their own voluntary work.

Kiran says they had taken the role voluntarily because they care and have gone to great lengths to ensure the development of sustainable programs.

She also acknowledged the team at Inspire Pacific.

The Minister says they have gone to great lengths to ensure they developed a very well thought through program of rehabilitation.

She says they have not been rigid, they have paused, reflected, changed, amended their program to make sure it is sustainable, following it through despite it not being an easy journey.

Kiran says through this program they have come to the conclusion that children need a father figure and even her conversations with the Inspire Pacific team keeps bringing the conversation of the need for a father.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

She says asks do we think about the role of a father in Fiji in nurturing and shaping the destiny for young people, how do we create that space.

The Minister asks how do they involve the program to get men who have healed themselves, because they see a very high level of violence against children who become men, who continue the cycle of violence.

She asks how do we pause and make sure those who have healed themselves, those who are ready and live holistic lives to volunteer to help guide our young men.

Kiran says she is hoping that men will take up the challenge and create a group of volunteers to see how they can support this program or how they can create more fathers for these children.

FEATURE NEWS
Drua put the Force to the sword with convincing 38-7 win
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua put the Western Force to the sword in the Lautoka heat with a convincing 38-7 win. The Force struck just two minutes...
8 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
New Harrisons outlet in Labasa town creates employment opportunities
The opening of the new Harrisons Fiji outlet in Labasa Town has created employment opportunities for a few individuals in Labasa. Abdul Mozid ...
8 hours ago

Northern Division celebrates local talent at Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo that was held in Labasa this week gave the opportunity for a lot of people in the Northern Division to witness and enjoy ...
8 hours ago

Prasad finally gets home ownership offer letter after 20 yrs of living in Narere PRB Estate
After more than 20 years of living in the Narere PRB Estate, Vishnu Prasad was all smiles as he became an official homeowner after receiving his ...
8 hours ago

Many LGBTQIA+ members still experience discrimination despite constitutional protection - Lewaravu
Despite constitutional protections, many LGBTQIA+ members still experience discrimination, exclusion, and abuse. This was highlighted by the ...
8 hours ago

More developments needed for Fiji to host Super Rugby Pacific “Bula Round”
The Super Rugby Pacific will continue to talk to the Government about making a Super Rugby Pacific “Bula Round” a reality in the future, but ...
8 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
13 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
25 days ago

TOP