Peceli Naviticoko 
Cultural sensitivities in the Northern Division make it difficult to discuss protection issues openly.
As a result, many community members remain unaware of safeguarding risks, prompting FRIEND Fiji to intensify awareness and protection initiatives.
Acting CEO Viloki Gohil states the organisation is working with 16 communities across Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata provinces to conduct a safeguarding health check, ensuring systems are in place to protect children, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable participants.
As part of the initiative, FRIEND and Caritas Australia are bringing together men, women, village headman, village nurses and pastors in Labasa for workshops to strengthen understanding of safeguarding and cross-cutting issues reinforcing both policy and practice at the community level.
“We work very closely with the communities, and while progress has been made, there’s still more work to do in terms of safeguarding awareness, Not everybody is aware, and there are strong cultural aspects that influence how people talk about these issues but it’s high time more awareness comes within the communities as well, not just within organisations.”
Gohil added that the program reflects a shift toward shared responsibility between development partners and communities.
Meanwhile, the ongoing commitment empowers local leaders and residents to recognize, prevent, and respond to safeguarding concerns.
The organisation aims to ensure that everyone especially the most vulnerable is included and protected in community development.
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