As homelessness among children is on the rise in Fiji, ARUKA Fiji is urging the country’s 300-plus churches to take an active role in providing shelter and support to vulnerable minors. With 38 children now living on the streets, the organisation believes that churches can play a pivotal part in addressing this crisis by adopting and protecting these marginalised youths who have often been left feeling unloved and abandoned. ARUKA Fiji’s founder, Inoke Drauna, stressed the urgency of the situation, pointing out that while the organisation was already providing evening clinics and capacity-building programmes, what these children truly need is a safe place to stay and the opportunity to build positive relationships with peers who can offer guidance. “It’s about creating an environment where children can feel safe and loved. Churches can provide that sense of community, helping to shape a brighter future for these children,” Mr Drauna said. He also highlighted that churches facing challenges in providing these services can turn to ARUKA’s helpline for support with issues such as grief, trauma, ADHD, addiction, and depression. The 2023 Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation report paints a grim picture. In Suva, 39 homeless individuals were profiled, including 16 children under the age of 18. The situation is compounded by the fact that many of these children, often living in the streets, are exposed to drugs and the dangers associated with substance abuse. Community involvement Some are reportedly injecting methamphetamine, a practice that heightens the risk of HIV transmission, deepening the vulnerability of these youths. Mr Drauna stressed the importance of community involvement in addressing homelessness. “This is not a task the government can handle alone. The community must step up, especially churches and local organisations, to tackle this issue together,” he said. “We need action now. It’s a matter of saving lives and giving these children a chance for a better future.” As homelessness among children in Fiji continues to rise, the need for a collective approach to solving this crisis has never been more urgent. With the support of churches and communities across the country, ARUKA Fiji hopes to bring meaningful change to the lives of these vulnerable children. Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj