With the start of the school holidays and Christmas coming around the corner, the Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Dr Josefa Koroivueta has called on parents to provide the best care and love for their children.

Dr Koroivueta told parents that during the school holidays there have always been cases of drowning, accident and neglect.

He made the comment in Burewai, Ra, over the weekend during the official opening of a new school fence and the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Day celebration.

Dr Koroivueta said despite the new school fence benefitting around 136 students from the five villages; parents needed to understand the protection of their children depends on the protection given by parents themselves.

“Our children are a gift from God and Government is urging that our children be loved and cared for. When we have stronger families, we have our children loved and cared for.”

Dr Koroivueta said the Government has given a new constitution where it thoroughly explained the rights for children and those with disabilities.

“The ministry believes it is important to teach our children, while the schools build them mentally, we also build our children mentally and physically.

“Be open and ask and talk to your children, days have changed, they understand things don’t look down on them and be open with them, no more days of taboo, be open and talk.”

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Feedback:  losirene.lacanivalu@fijisun.com.fj