Street dwellers around Suva City got the rare opportunity on Sunday to be groomed at no cost, all thanks to the charity group, Ahava Fiji Project.

The group members took to the streets of Suva on Mother’s Day to offer fresh haircut to more than 20 people.

The good Samaritans include those who have dedicated their lives to providing for the homeless as Fiji recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project founder, Naina Senito, said their ‘Beauty2theStreet’ initiative was through collaboration with the Barber Ministry.

“We had people from all walks of life who came to get a haircut. People from all age groups and even mentally challenged individuals,” she said.

“We had to be mindful of the language we use during our time in the city – especially dealing those with mental health problems – as they had trust issues.

“Because we have been around for a while, we knew what to do and some of them even knew us.”

The charity group often does this twice in a month.

“We use the little money we have to get this going. Whatever is in our pockets.

“We also post it online where the response from people is overwhelming. This is where the majority of people donate to this cause.”

She said opportunities such as these helped raise awareness towards giving chances for street dwellers.

“Some end up on the street because of broken relationships at home. Some are loved and they see the street as the place to be,” she said.

“The group’s aim to improve lives on the street has seen some light.”

Ms Senito said some children were back in school after placing their trust in the project.

“So, we help them out with enrolment. Some of them attend the Matua programme to study secondary school courses.”

The group is calling on parents to take full responsibility for the wellbeing of those children who have ended up in the streets around the country.

“They need to play their roles as parents. When these kids do whatever, they want to do because no one is there to guide them. Some of them ended up on the street because of peer pressure,” she said.

The initiative was made possible through the assistance of the Fiji Police Force, the inter-agency task force and other non-government organisations.

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