Fiji breaks ground on new rehab centre for vulnerable boys

Construction of Fiji's Vakacokotaki Rehabilitation Centre for Children starts today following a groundbreaking ceremony. Minister for Women Sashi Kiran highlighted the facility's importance amid the nation's struggles with drugs, violence, and neglect.

"We know every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Yet, for some children, their daily reality is one of hardship, trauma, and uncertainty," Kiran said. The center will serve as a transitional facility for vulnerable boys aged 10 to 18.

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We know every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Yet, for some children, their daily reality is one of hardship, trauma, and uncertainty.

The facility will offer a child-friendly environment with specialized care, counseling, rehabilitation, education, and life skills training. Individual care plans will prepare the boys for successful reintegration into their families, communities, schools, or employment.

Another facility in Lautoka is expected to be completed by the end of this month, while the Vakacokotaki center is slated for completion by year's end.

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This centre will provide a dedicated child-friendly environment where children can receive specialised care, counselling, rehabilitation, education, support, and life skills training, while individual care plans are developed to prepare them for successful reintegration into their families, communities, school, or employment pathways.