Theme: Walk Against Child Abuse and Neglect
Date: 22 April–8 May 2017
Venue: Vanua Levu Island, Fiji
The “2017 Walkathon Round Vanua Levu (473km)” was a personal initiative of Savneel Sangeet Kumar.
The Walkathon was held from 22 April-8 May 2017.
Theme
The theme for the Walkathon was “Walk Against Child Abuse and Neglect”.
All children have the right to be protected from abuse, violence and exploitation but for millions of children worldwide this is an everyday reality. This violence, exploitation and abuse occurs in the homes, families, schools, workplaces and communities of children and also many more are at risk of abuse.
Locally, this is also unfortunately a reality for many children in Fiji, who are faced by regular physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Cases of trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC): including Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, Child Sex Tourism, Early Marriage, Abuse in Adoption have been proven in Fiji, which is why several organizations and individuals are committed to advocating for the protection of all children from risk and harm.
Fiji ratified the Convention on the Rights of a Child in 1993, which supports the country’s desire to protect children from these types of harm. Nevertheless, cases continue to exist and it becomes the work of every Fijian, to drive changes from communities to policy level to ensure child protection happens in reality.
Walkathon Route
Date | Campaign Venues |
22/04/2017 | Start Point: Savusavu Vuinadi Village |
23/04/2017 | Naboutini Village |
24/04/2017 | Nasasa Village |
25/04/2017 | Hotel Takia, Labasa |
26/04/2017 | Day out in Labasa |
27/04/2017 | Batiri Village |
28/04/2017 | Lekutu Village |
29/04/2017 | Nabouwalu Village |
30/04/2017 | Cogea Village |
01/05/2017 | Valeni Village |
02/05/2017 | Urata Village |
03/05/2017 | Naweni Village |
04/05/2017 | Naweni Village |
05/05/2017 | Koroivonu Village |
06/05/2017 | Loa Village |
07/05/2017 | End point: Hotsprings Hotel, Savusavu |
Sponsors and Supporters:
- Ministry of iTaukei Affairs
- iTaukei Affairs Board
- Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji (FENC Fiji)
- Extended Grace Foundation, USA
- Takia Hotel, Labasa
- Hotsprings Hotel, Savusavu
- Unitex Garments
- VHL Buses, Labasa