Family time key to tackling social issues, says GCC chairperson

Family time is important to address social ills in our communities, says Great Council of Chiefs chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula.

As Fiji celebrates Christmas and the New Year, Ratu Viliame is reminding Fijians that everything starts from the family.

“Parents, sit down, pay attention to your children’s needs, learn the challenges they face, observe their behaviour and changes in behaviour of your children,” he said.

“You cannot do that if you are spending more time on your phones.”

Ratu Viliame said community and village leaders must also take responsibility by setting the example that children should adopt.

“If the leader of the clan or tribe sits with their members for devotion, or talanoa and listen to each other, children pick this behaviour, and this is where they seek their direction from.

“It is in this circle that elders can identify the behaviourial changes of a child and they help the child. They don’t wait until they’ve committed a crime to do something.”

Ratu Viliame stressed that it is the vanua’s responsibility to identify and sit down with troubled children, rather than watching them commit more crime.

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