Men and women who have completed a one-year tour of duty in the United Nations Disengagement and Observers Force (UNDOF), Golan Heights visited St Christopher’s Home in Nakasi and Dilkusha Girls’ Home in Nausori on Wednesday.

They were led by their Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Sakeasi Baka, their Force Chaplain Captain Mawi and others.

“The idea behind the donation to the two homes eventuated from Syria, from my fellow officers. My battalion felt that we must contribute to the unfortunate as they have encountered very difficult situations and certainly need care and affection from us,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Baka.

He also said their visit was in line with the RFMF Commander’s intent.

“Just a few weeks ago during the Sukuna Bowl Competition, the Commander of the RFMF championed the theme of zero tolerance on violence against women and children and this is exactly the perspective that we are coming from. Our wives and children deserve to be respected and cared for,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Baka.

Sister Kalo from St Christopher’s Home was appreciative of the peacekeepers’ visit and thanked Lieutenant-Colonel Baka.

“I wish to inform you that the home has always been praying for all Fijian soldiers serving in the United Nations and we thank God Almighty that you have returned home safely,” she said.

The peacekeepers were shown around the premises before proceeding to Dilkusha Girls’ Home.

At Dilkusha, they were welcomed by the staff before the children entertained them with a few items.

The Home’s deaconess Sala Kacivakawalu, said the home provides for children in need of a family.

“The children came into the home with different kinds of backgrounds, some from separated parents and many other forms of abuse. It is through the introduction of God to their lives that we believe will help build up the individual character of the children here at Dilkusha. We also provide counselling with the help of Empower Pacific and that really helps the children,” she said.

Dilkusha Home is looked after by 18 staff members and houses 41 children.

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