Nemani urges families to put children’s safety first

Families in Yavulo Village, Nadroga, have completed a five-day Fiji Family Focus Programme aimed at strengthening relationships, improving parenting skills and creating safer homes for children.

The programme brought together participants from across Nadroga and neighbouring communities to learn about positive parenting, family wellbeing, communication, child protection and healthy decision-making.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Maritino Nemani said strong families were the foundation of stronger communities.

“We have learnt that strong families are built on trust, respect, open communication and shared responsibility,” Nemani said.

He encouraged participants to apply the lessons in their homes and share them with future generations.

“These lessons are not meant to remain within this training venue. They must be taken back to our homes, practised in our daily lives, and shared with future generations.”

Nemani also highlighted the importance of protecting children and young people from drugs, risky behaviour and HIV.

“This is why prevention begins at home, through honest conversations, strong relationships, positive role modelling, and community support.”

He said parents, village elders, faith leaders, teachers, youth leaders and other community members all had a role in protecting children.

Nemani thanked Yavulo villagers for their hospitality and acknowledged the donors, development partners, facilitators and volunteers who supported the programme.