A comprehensive survey is necessary to examine the root causes and propose effective solutions to reduce the prevalence of children loitering in central Suva City.

Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said this approach could help the nation address the rising issue of children loitering the streets of cities and towns.

He suggested the establishment of a collaborative Government-civil society team to tackle the problem.

“The survey aims to gather data on the prevalence of youth and younger teenage children loitering in towns. It will uncover the root causes and propose effective solutions,” Archbishop Loy Chong said.

“The survey team will actively engage street youths, parents, and organisations already involved with street children, such as Chevalier Hostel and Dilkusha Home.

“It is crucial to involve street youths in the survey process because they possess firsthand knowledge of the problems.”

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