‘Money alone cannot raise a child’: Govt’s message to labour mobility families

“Money alone cannot raise a child.”

That was the message from Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh as he urged families to remain at the heart of Fiji’s labour mobility programme.

Speaking at the opening of the Fiji Family Focus Workshop in Nawaka yesterday, Nadi, Mr Singh welcomed close to 100 returning and potential workers and family members.

Mr Singh said the success of overseas employment should not be measured only by income earned, but also by the opportunities created for children and the long-term benefits for families and communities.

The forum brought together close to 100 returning and potential workers and their family members to discuss the challenges and responsibilities associated with labour mobility.

“Labour mobility is not simply about sending a worker overseas to earn an income. It is a family journey. Every worker carries with them the hopes and aspirations of their children, family, community, and Fiji,” Mr Singh said.

He said many Fijians took up overseas employment to provide better education for their children, improve their homes, build savings and investments, and achieve greater financial security.

However, he warned that financial gains should not come at the expense of family relationships.

“We must never allow temporary physical distance to become permanent emotional distance. Money alone cannot raise a child. Our children need love, guidance, discipline, protection, and positive role models,” he said.

Mr Singh urged workers and their families to have clear savings, investment, education and family plans so their sacrifices overseas translated into lasting benefits.

He also highlighted the role of the vanua, lotu and matanitu in supporting families and protecting children, saying the three institutions needed to continue working together.

“Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build a stronger Fiji,” he said.

Mr Singh confirmed the appointment of four country liaison officers in Australia and one in New Zealand to support Fijian workers facing challenges.

With the forum coinciding with International Youth Day on August 12, he also urged parents and communities to remain actively involved in the lives of young people, particularly as they face emerging social challenges such as drugs.

“Our objective is simple: every worker should leave with a purpose, every family should have a plan, and every opportunity through labour mobility should contribute to a better future for our children and for Fiji,” he said.