The Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, has challenged families to teach the younger generation to respect elders.

She made these remarks during the Senior Citizens Charitable Trust of Nadi’s first anniversary celebration at the Nadi Special School yesterday.

The Minister also stressed on the key notion that senior citizens need to be allowed to age with respect, love and dignity.

She said: “I call on our families today to teach the younger generation to respect the elderly. Lend a hand to the weak because one day we will be old and weak and will also need a helping hand.”

During the celebration she continued to stress that the senior citizens in the community were esteemed.

“I have made it public that we will not accept nor tolerate any form of abuse and neglect of our senior citizens,” Ms Akbar said.

She spoke about the Fijian Government ensuring that the social protection programmes and policies for elderlies that have led useful lives reflect our commitment.

“The Fijian Government commits to the welfare of our senior citizens regardless of where they live, independency, mobility, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

“My ministry commends the Senior Citizens Charitable Trust of Nadi for standing in for the wellbeing of senior citizens in Nadi. Your leadership and co-operation with my ministry is a clear signal that there is hope in the care and protection of our senior citizens.

Meanwhile, the elderly also benefited with the lump sum payout of $300 after Tropical Cyclone Winston with additional food vouchers for May and June for those living in the 12 priority affected areas.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

Feedback:  litia.tikomailepanoni@fijisun.com.fj