Australia Provides Funding Support to the Salvation Army’s Family Care Centres

6 May 2010

The Salvation Army’s family centres in Labasa, Lautoka and Suva are to benefit from a funding boost of A$100,000 from the Australian government.

This follows the signing of an agreement in Labasa today by the Acting Australian High Commissioner, Ms Sarah Roberts and Captain Sarita Jare of the Salvation Army.

As part of its work in Fiji, the Salvation Army offers a wide range of social programs including emergency accommodation, prison rehabilitation for young offenders, and hostel accommodation for needy students.

It also provides support, advocacy, and safe shelter through its family care centres, for women and children in crisis. The crisis centres also offer programs to promote independence and gender equality.

Speaking at the Salvation Army’s Labasa headquarters today, the Acting Australian High Commissioner Ms Sarah Roberts commended the organisation for its commitment to supporting the vulnerable.

“I am particularly pleased to sign this funding agreement which aims to assist the Salvation Army continue with its provision of shelter to victims of abuse, especially women and children,” she said.

“Our funding is also indicative of the Australian Government’s support for eliminating violence against women and improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations in Fiji,” she said.

Ms Roberts took the opportunity to also meet with some young women who are attending the Salvation Army’s skills development training program in the northern town.

While in Labasa, Ms Roberts also visited the Pacific Counselling and Social Services’ Labasa Community Centre.

With AusAID support, the Pacific Counselling and Social Services (PCASS) has established Counselling units at the major hospitals in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.

The community centre in Labasa also provides counselling, social, and community services for sex workers and former prisoners to assist with their rehabilitation and re-integration into the community.

PCASS which has centres in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi and Labasa, has a three year funding arrangement with AusAID amounting to F$1,020,000. The organisation has also hosted a number of Australian volunteers since its inception in an effort to strengthen the delivery of its services.

Ms Roberts was accompanied on her visit to Labasa by senior AusAID representatives from Suva, including First Secretary (Devlopment Cooperation), Ms Jacqueline Clark.

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