Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of the Christian Mission Fellowship is advocating for a profound shift in societal attitudes towards youth, emphasizing the urgent need for love and support instead of condemnation. He highlights a troubling trend where young individuals are forced onto the streets, feeling isolated and rejected by their families, religious groups, and broader communities. In such circumstances, the streets become a reluctant refuge, offering the acceptance they fail to find elsewhere.
The church in Nausori, with which Kolivuso is affiliated, is actively working to counter this issue. Over the past year, they have successfully rehabilitated 11 young people from the streets in the Central Division. By providing temporary housing and facilitating family reunification, the church underscores the importance of rehabilitation and understanding, advocating against judgmental attitudes. This approach acknowledges the validation and camaraderie many youths find in street communities compared to their own families or community circles.
This call for empathy and proactive engagement resonates with ongoing efforts within community and religious sectors. Methodist Church leaders and other pastors in Fiji have consistently highlighted the need for supportive structures for youth. These religious figures are championing collaborative engagements with government bodies and community organizations to construct comprehensive support systems, aiming to address mental, physical, and social needs, in order to build resilient futures for the nation’s youth.
Organizations like INSPIRE Pacific and the Ministry of Youth and Sports are at the forefront of these initiatives. Through programs designed to offer safe housing and rehabilitation for street-involved youth, these institutions are facilitating reintegration into society. Their programs focus on education and continued support, preparing young individuals for stable lives within their communities.
The collective aim is to forge a nurturing environment where love, acceptance, and actionable support replace condemnation. Across Fiji, various stakeholders work together to build pathways that guide vulnerable youth away from street life, encouraging them towards community inclusion and personal growth. At the heart of this movement is a vision for a unified societal response that uncovers and nurtures the inherent potential within every young person, fostering opportunities for positive development and transformation.