Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of the Christian Mission Fellowship is advocating for a compassionate approach towards young people who make mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of love and acceptance from family, religious groups, and communities to prevent youths from feeling rejected and ending up on the streets. According to Pastor Kolivuso, many young people find more empathy and understanding among their peers on the streets rather than within their communities or families.
Last year, Pastor Kolivuso’s church in Nausori successfully rehabilitated 11 youths living on the streets by providing temporary shelter and reuniting them with their families. He continuously stresses the necessity of choosing rehabilitation over condemnation, highlighting the sentiment that without acceptance and help, the streets often appear as the only refuge for these youths.
The sentiments shared by Pastor Kolivuso are echoed by several religious and community leaders in Fiji, who are increasingly trying to address the rising issue of youth homelessness. Various initiatives have been proposed, including transitional facilities and collaborative efforts with government bodies to offer support systems that enable young adults to transition smoothly into society. The Methodist Church, through various stakeholders, has also been actively encouraging the creation of environments that foster hope and rehabilitation over rejection.
These discussions indicate a widespread acknowledgment of the complexity of youth homelessness and its ties to family dynamics. Proposals have not only called for rehabilitation centers but have also stressed the importance of connecting with these youths on a personal level offering compassion and support from a community perspective. Furthermore, these combined efforts reflect a hopeful outlook towards creating a nurturing allowance for these young individuals within their own communities and homes.
In conclusion, the focus today is increasingly on rehabilitation, community engagement, and the strengthening of family units to tackle youth homelessness effectively. By shifting from a model of condemnation to one centered on acceptance and assistance, there is optimism that these collective measures could pave the way towards long-term positive change for vulnerable youths in Fiji.