Save the Children Fiji Chief Executive,Iris Low-McKenzie [Source: Save the Children Fiji]

In an effort to address issues faced by children around the country, Save the Children Fiji is currently carrying out a children’s forum in all four divisions.

The Child Rights Situational Analysis will ensure that children have a say and are informed of the organizations priority focus areas for the next five years.

Chief Executive, Iris Low-McKenzie says that children’s views from as far as Kia Island and the Yasawas have been included.

Low-McKenzie says some of the issues portrayed in the CRSA forum so far, includes bullying, unequal treatment of girls, boys and children with disabilities and quality education along with the need for parent’s support from home.

“It is encouraging to see the strong messages from the children and for Save the Children this is a vital part of our strategic plan process to include children and hear from them on what they think are priority areas that should be addressed.”

She adds the CRSA examines the country context as well as the situation of children in areas such as Health and Education.

A total of 30 children participated in the Forum in Lautoka last week, with children from the Northern divison undergoing a session today which ends tomorrow.

The children are existing members of Kids Link Fiji, Save the Children’s child-led initiative and Disaster Risk Reduction clubs from target communities in Nadi and Lautoka.

A similar forum will be held in Suva on Thursday.