Minister Rosy Akbar with stakeholders at the launch of Priority and Courtesy seating for the disabled senior citizens and pregnant mothers Photo:SUPPLIED.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation has ventured into a partnership with the Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) to meet the needs of the disadvantaged in the society.
This follows the launching of the project on priority seating with a messaging platform in buses today by the Minister for Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rosy Akbar.
“This initiative for designated seating for the elderly and disabled in buses came about through the many consultations that my ministry carries out with the people of Fiji,” Minister Akbar said.
“This is a great way to show our senior and disabled citizens and even expectant mothers that we care for them.”
The FBOA accepted the opportunity to use buses as a medium to get the message of care and protection of children by advertising the child helpline number 1325 on the backrest of designated seats in buses.
Fiji Bus Operators Association President, Mr Parmod Chand encouraged bus operators to get on board and be part of this government initiative.
“We are have advertisements to raise awareness on social issues such as child abuse and domestic violence through notices on the back seat,” Mr Chand said.
“These advertisements will mean thousands of travelling people will be made aware of the services available to reach out to the Ministry’s Child Helpline and information for domestic violence survivors.”
This initiative is one of the ways to create a more inclusive society for the people with disabilities in the country.
Press Release