Australia gifts MJCS large collection of children's items to help create Child Friendly Spaces in Malampa, Torba, and Penama
PORT VILA, SEPTEMBER 11: Vulnerable children in provinces across the country are set to receive improved support after the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MJCS) partnered with Australia to set up Child Friendly Spaces.
Purpose-built Child Friendly Spaces are now available in Port Vila, Malampa, Torba, and Penama to support children interacting with the justice system. These are welcoming and comforting spaces for children of all ages, including victims of serious violence and neglect.
The MJCS leads the government’s child protection efforts. As a long-term partner in the police and justice sector, Australia provides regular funding and guidance to MJCS to assist child protection efforts.
Through the partnership, Australia has gifted a large collection of items, which includes toys, educational posters, colouring books, colouring pencils, toys, tables, chairs, bean bags, cushions, and mattresses, as well as I.T. equipment for provincial MJCS offices.
The equipment has been selected to provide vulnerable children with opportunities for structured play, learning, and creative expression.
Accepting the items, Coordinator of the MJCS Human Rights Unit, Albert Nalpini, highlighted the urgent needs facing children in remote areas.
“Ol pikinini are the future of Vanuatu, and they require help and guidance from adults to realise their potential. As a Ministry, we have an obligation to protect their rights and make sure all our country’s children survive, develop, and thrive. Children engaging with justice services have unique vulnerabilities, and thanks to our partnership with Australia, the Child Friendly Spaces will now provide them with comfort and security to grow and recover,” said Mr Nalpini.
The Australian High Commission’s First Secretary Development, Dominic Ransan-Cooper said the initiative was an example of Vanuatu and Australia’s determination to put children first.
“Vanuatu and Australia put children, and their rights, at the center of our partnership, and through significant efforts, the Ministry brings these services to children in remote islands and provinces,” said Mr Ransan-Cooper.
“Children engage with justice services for a range of complex reasons, but they all require welcoming and inclusive spaces where they can feel safe and secure.”
Alongside children requiring MJCS services, some of the child friendly spaces have also been designed to be suitable for use by the Ministry’s partners who require private and secure locations for child and family interviewing, such as the Vanuatu Police Force’s Family Protection Unit.
