Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694246796205.pdf (Fiji)
Strategic Direction for the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation VISION STATEMENT Empowering the Disadvantaged and Women MISSION STATEMENT Families and Communities supported through Social Welfare Initiatives and Gender Mainstreaming Programme VALUES We will foster an organization culture that values: Human Dignity We respect the dignity of all we serve.

Commitment to Excellence We will pursue to provide excellent service.
Integrity We are committed to conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the highest standard of integrity.

Customers Efficient and effective customer service and satisfaction.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS p03 | Referral Letter p04 | Permanent Secretary’s Message p05 | Audited Financial Statements p17 | Core Functions of the Ministry p18 p19 | Organization Chart | Executive Support Unit p22 | Department of Social Welfare p28 | Department of Women p30 | Poverty Monitoring Unit p32 | TC Winston Relief p34 | Corporate Services Department 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 2 REFERRAL LETTER Hon.
Mereseini Vuniwaqa Minister for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation Level 5, Civic Towers Victoria Parade Suva Dear Madam, I am pleased to present the Annual Report for the fiscal year 1st January to 31st July 2016 for the Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation.

The Report summarizes the Ministry’s performance in terms of achievements for this reporting period and includes the Audited Financial Statements prepared in accordance to the Financial Instructions.
Dr. Josefa Koroivueta Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 3 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 3 Permanent Secretary’s MESSAGE The year 2016, was a challenging year for the Ministry of of the Government rehabilitation programme, the Ministry Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation.
On February 20th, facilitated cash top for the Welfare recipients under the Fiji was struck by TC Winston, a category five cyclone which Poverty Benefit Scheme, Care and Protection Allowance and was one of the most intense cyclones to be recorded in the Social Pension Scheme and this was further boosted with Southern Hemisphere.

assistance from World Food Programme with Food Voucher Top-up for the 12 priority areas affected.
The Ministry had diverted its resources and funds for the period March to June to assist in the rehabilitation works in This report will cover the Ministry’s achievement and highlights the affected areas.

for 1st January to 31st July.


My Ministry was given the key responsibility to implement I wish to thank all Government agencies, Non-Government the Help for Home initiative which was initiated by the Fijian Organizations, Financial Institutions, our Development Government to assist families whose homes were partially or Partners and staff of the Ministry who have contributed to the completely destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

As part achievements of the Ministry during this challenging period.
Dr. Josefa Koroivueta Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 4 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 4 Audited Financial Statements for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 5 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 5 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 6 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 7 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 8 MINISTRY OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION MANAgEMENT CERTIFICATE FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD ENDED 31 JuLY 2016 We certify that these financial statements: (a) fairly reflect the financial operations and performance of the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and its financial period ended 31 July 2016; and (b) have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Management Act 2004, Financial Management Amendment (2016) Act and the Finance Instructions 2010.
Dr. Josefa Koroivueta Permanent Secretary Date: 07 /06/17 Mrs. Venina Duvuduvukula A/Principal Accounts Officer Date: 07/0 6/17 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 9 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 9 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 RECEIPTS State Revenue Operating Revenue Total State Revenue Agency Revenue Miscellaneous Revenue Total Agency Revenue Total Revenue EXPENDITURE Operating Expenditure Established Staff Government Wage Earners Travel & Communication Maintenance & Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure Total Operating Expenditure Capital Expenditure Capital Construction Capital Purchase Grants & Transfers Total Capital Expenditure Value Added Tax Total Expenditure 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 10 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 10 Notes 2016 ($) 2015 ($) 3 (a) 3 (b) 3 (c) 3 (c) 3 (e) 3 (c) 3 (c) 3 (e) 3 (e) 3 (d) 3 (e) 3,405 3,405 365,677 365,677 369,082 2,432,201 692,879 208,514 473,516 972,395 29,760,494 809,725 35,349,724 - 34,483 164,621 199,104 4,184 4,184 145,982 145,982 150,166 4,730,371 858,260 299,153 676,022 536,029 34,430,776 1,332,263 42,862,874 - - 848,973 848,973 3 (e) 103,863 221,521 35,652,691 43,933,368 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Appropriation Statement for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 SEG ITEM a b (a-b) Budget Estimate $ Appropriation Changes $ Revised Estimate $ Actual Expenditure Lapsed Appropriation $ Established Staff
 Unestablished Staff Travel & Communication Maintenance & Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure Total Operating Costs CAPITAl EXPENDITURE 9 10 Capital Purchase Capital Grants & Transfers Total Capital Expenditure 13 Value Added Tax 5,205,059 954,006 298,000 719,200 1,041,600 40,750,000 1,884,620 50,852,485 - 950,000 950,000 349,400 Total Expenditure 52,151,885 2,432,201 2,503,122 (269,736) 269,736 - - 123,061 4,935,323 1,223,742 298,000 719,200 1,164,661 692,879 208,514 473,516 972,395 - 40,750,000 29,760,494 (160,647) (37,586) 1,723,973 809,725 50,814,899 35,349,724 530,863 89,486 245,684 192,266 10,989,506 914,248 15,465,175 37,586 - 37,586 - - 37,586 950,000 987,586 34,483 164,621 199,104 3,103 785,379 788,482 349,400 103,863 245,537 52,151,885 35,652,691 16,499,194 Details of Appropriation Changes There were no redeployments of the Ministry’s funds during the year.
Other movements were made through Virement as follows: The Ministry of Economy approved the following transfer of funds during the period.
Virement Number V24001/16 V24002/16 From SEG 1 SEG 1 SEG 1 SEG 1 SEG 1 SEG 1 To SEG 2 SEG 2 SEG 2 SEG 2 SEG 1 SEG 2 Amount ($) 125,995 12,599 111,985 13,110 4,016 6,045 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 11 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 11 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Appropriation Statement for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 (Continued...) Details of Appropriation Changes (Continued...) The Permanent Secretary approved the following Virement under delegation from the Minister of Economy.
Virement Number DV2401 DV2402 DV2403 From SEG 7 SEG 7 SEG 10 SEG 7 SEG 13 SEG 13 SEG 13 SEG 3 SEG 3 SEG 3 To SEG 9 SEG 5 SEG 5 SEG 5 SEG 5 SEG 5 SEG 5 SEG 3 SEG 3 SEG 3 Amount ($) 37,586 10,000 73,545 39,515 900 6,619 3,556 1,858 739 4,397 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 12 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Statement of Losses for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 loss of Money There was no loss of money recorded for the financial period ending 31 July 2016. loss of Revenue There was no loss of revenue recorded for the financial period ending 31 July 2016. loss (other than money) The Board of Survey for 2016 was carried out and it was noted that there was no loss (other than money) for the Ministry.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 13 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Notes to And Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 NOTE 1: REPORTINg ENTITY The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is overseas the three departments: Department of Social Welfare and Department of Women and Children and Poverty Monitoring Unit.
Government is committed to reducing poverty to a negligible level and these Departments further that cause by breaking down barriers erected by gender, age, disability and economic standing.

The Department of Social Welfare administers Fiji’s recently-reformed social welfare programs, which include the Poverty Benefit Scheme, the Child Protection Allowance, the Food Voucher Program, the Social Pension Scheme and the Bus Fare Subsidy.
In managing these programs, the Department is responsible for ensuring that aid flows to those who need it the most, while stamping out corruption and fraud in the system.

The Department is equally committed to ensuring that these programs do not create a culture of dependency, focusing efforts and energy on graduating individuals and families from “welfare to workfare”.
The Department also has the statutory responsibility to ensure the protection and wellbeing of children, which includes managing juvenile centres.

The Department of Women is responsible for providing Fijian women and girls, particularly those in rural communities, with the skills and education they need to participate as equal members in society.

It works to provide the necessary support to enable them to bring about positive changes for themselves, for their families and for their communities.
This mission is underscored in the National Women’s Plan of Action, which is aimed at boosting women’s employment opportunities, increasing women’s participation in decision making, eliminating violence against women, improving women’s access to basic services, and addressing women’s issues in new legislation.

The Department works with other Ministries to ensure that gender perspectives are addressed in all Government policies and initiatives and to promote gender equality.
NOTE 2: STATEMENT OF ACCOuNTINg POLICIES (a) Basis of Accounting In accordance with Government accounting policies, the financial statements of the Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is prepared on cash basis of accounting.

All payments related to purchases of fixed assets have been expensed.
The financial statements are presented in accordance with the Financial Management Act 2004, Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2016 and the requirements of Section 71 (1) of the Finance Instruction 2010.

The preparation and presentation of a Statement of Assets and Liabilities is not required under the current Government policies, except for that of the Trading and Manufacturing Accounts.

(b) Value Added Tax All income and expenses are VAT exclusive.
The Ministry on a monthly basis takes out VAT output on total money received for expenditure from Ministry of Finance.

VAT input on the other hand is claimed on payments made to the suppliers and the sub-contractors for expenses incurred.

The VAT payment as per the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures relates to VAT input claimed on payments made to the suppliers and sub-contractors for expenses incurred and VAT payments to FRCA.
Actual amount paid to FRCA during the year represent the difference between VAT Output and VAT Input.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 14 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Notes to And Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 (Continued...) (c) Comparative Figures The Ministry changed its reporting period from 1 August to 31 July as per Ministry of Economy circular number 04/16 due to a change in the whole government reporting period.
Hence, the 2016 financial reporting period is for 7 months effective from 1 January 2016 to 31 July 2016.

In comparison, the 2015 financial reporting period is for 12 months effective from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.

This was provided for in the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2016.

(d) Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognised when actual cash are received by the Ministry.
(e) Change in Fiscal Year As per the change in the Government Fiscal year from January - December to August to July, the current Annual Financial Statements depicts financials for seven months.

The figures of the last seven months are illustrated against December 2015 figures.
NOTE 3: SIgNIFICANT VARIATIONS (a) The State Revenue decreased by $779 or 19% in 2016 compared to the 2015 due to commission which is deducted at source from insurance premium payable to the relevant companies were only 7 months and not for 12 months compared to previous years.

(b) The Miscellaneous Revenue increased by $219,695 or 150% in 2016 compared to 2015 as it was due to refund allowance for Social Protection Program recipients as a result of closed or invalid bank accounts.
(c) The Purchase of goods and services increased by $436,366 or 81% in 2016 compared to 2015 was due to purchase of Computers, Printers and other related expenditure.

(d) The Ministry vired a total of $37,586 from Special Expenditure to Capital Purchase in 2016.
(e) Other expenditures declined by $8,751,526 or 20% due to change in government financial reporting period and hence the 2016 financial period is for 7 months effective from 1 January 2016 to 31 July 2016 in comparison to 2015 which comprised of 12 months period (1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015).

NOTE 4: OPERATINg TRuST ACCOuNT As at 31 July 2016, the Ministry had a credit of $87,221 in the Operating Trust Fund Account.
NOTE 5: REVOLVINg FuND ACCOuNT At balance date, the Ministry had a balance of $38,892 in the Revolving Fund Account.

The balance was due to Accountable Advance issued to the officers which was not retired on time due to system errors.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 15 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Notes to And Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the financial period ended 31 July 2016 (Continued...) NOTE 6: DRAWINgS ACCOuNT At balance date, the Ministry had a balance of $4,736,033 in the Drawings Account.

These monies relate to cheques written by the Ministry that were yet to be presented to the bank.
NOTE 7: TROPICAL CYCLONE WINSTON REHABILITATION PROgRAMS In addition to the budget provided to the Ministry, further funding programs were also administered in response to the Tropical Cyclone Devastation.

The ministry distributed a sum totaling $19.9 million as paid to all social protection recipients.

The funds were provided by Ministry of Economy and distributed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation as part of the Tropical Cyclone Winston rehabilitation program.
These funds are recorded as expenditure for Head 50 (Ministry of Economy).

general Ledger Account general Ledger Description Amount ($) Remarks 1-24101-24999-840102 Donor Fund 19,867,714 The Ministry paid $19.9 million to all social protection recipients as part of government’s Tropical Cyclone Winston Rehabilitation programs.
Help for Home Initiative is another Tropical Cyclone Winston rehabilitation program in which the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation only participated in the distribution of Hardware cash (m-paisa) cards for purchase of building materials for repair or construction of homes damaged during the cyclone.

The recipients were pre-determined for the Ministry by other responsible stakeholders.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 16 Core Functions Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Roles and Responsibilities of the Ministry International Conventions The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is the government agency that administers services and programs aligned to the: • • • • • • Care and protection of Children Provision of income support to families to address poverty Provision of policy intervention for Older Persons Provision of policy intervention for Persons with Disabilities Promotion of gender equality and empowerment of Women Monitor, evaluate and report on the progress and impact of the INPEP Our Customers | External 1.
Cabinet 2.

Members of the Public (particularly those in disadvantaged communities) 3.

Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) 4.

Diplomatic Mission 5. International Organisations 6.

Providers of Goods and Services 7.

Other Government Ministries and Departments Our Customers | Internal 1.

Minister 2.

Senior Management 3.

Ministry Staff 1.

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 2.

Convention on the protection of children and Cooperation in respect to Inter - Country Adoption (HAGUE) 3.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) 4.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) 5.

Beijing Platform for Action (BPA) 6.

Commonwealth Plan of Action (CPA) Legislative Framework 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Constitution of the Republic of Fiji 2013 Fiji National Provident Fund Decree 2011 Fiji Procurement Act 2010 Financial Administration Decree 2009 Financial Instructions 2005 Financial Management Act 2004 Financial Manual 2005 8.
Occupational Health and Safety at Work Act 2006 9.

Adoption of Infant Act (Cap.

58) 1978 10.

Child Welfare Decree 2010 11.

Community Work Act 1994 12.

Crimes Decree 2010 13.

Domestic Violence Decree 2009 14.

Family Law Act 2003 15.

Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons 1994 16.

Juveniles Act (Cap 56) 1973 17.

National Council for Older Persons Decree (2012) 18.

Probation Act (Cap 22) 1978 19.
Social Justice Act (2011) 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 17 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 17 ) S I ( O W S S F D A S C D A ) W ( O W P ) N ( O W P O R P O R S O R S O P E S ) S I ( O W S ) P C ( O W S ) W S ( O W S ) N ( O W S ) t n a c a V ( E M S C S A P S A S ) t n a c a V ( O R O R O P E ) R ( O W S ) W N ( O W S ) E S ( O W S ) A P W ( I O W S r e c i f f O e v i t a r t s i n m d A i ) F W F ( ) C ( I O W r e c i f f O e v i t a r t s i n m d A i ) U P P / R H ( ) e c n a n F i ( O A P 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 18 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 18 ) u n i s a N ( O W S ) n r e t s a E ( I O W ) n r e t s e W ( I O W ) L ( I O W S ) h t r o N ( I O W ) h c r a e s e R ( I O W S ) C ( O W S ) W A D E C ( I O W S r e c i f f O e v i t a r t s i n m d A i ) v e D / g n n a r T i i ( Executive Support Unit Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ◆ Minister’s Executive Support Rapid Response Fund ◆ Ministry Service Excellence Award Night ◆ ◆ Hon.
Yohana Susana Yembise Ministerial Visit to Fiji for the 2nd Joint Technical Working Group Providing Immediate Relief Response: Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 19 Minister’s Executive Support Rapid Response Fund Providing Immediate Relief Response: Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston In the 2016 financial year, the Executive Support Unit received a budgetary allocation of $100,000.
This fund is to meet the ON the eve of Friday 19th February the Ministry had set up humanitarian needs of the clientele seeking assistance from an Emergency Operation Centre at Civic Towers to track the the Ministry.

This fund is managed directly by the Ministry and impending approach of the Tropical Cyclone Winston.

A team is managed by the honorable minister’s office.
of officials was also mobilized to obtain the latest updates from the Divisions about the 3 state Senior Citizens Homes, This fund has been used to support initiatives that are noble the Children Homes and the safety and protection of the and of economic and social values of benefit to communities elderly and the children who are under the care of the state.

and individuals as well.


The Fund is not a scheme to replace the development work of the state or replicate other Considering the plights of the children, women and the organizations work to building peace and progress for elderly, the Minister Hon.
Rosy Akbar started operation on the nation but to compliment and support such efforts to the eve of Saturday 20th February in Wailea Settlement by ensuring a cohesive and sustainable environment for the distributing cartons of water bottles donated by Carpenter women, children, the older persons, persons with disabilities Group.

and the disadvantaged, poor and vulnerable.


Ministry Service Excellence Award Night The Ministry’s Service Excellence Awards for the calendar year 2015 was held at the Retired Service League (RSL) Hall in Lautoka.

The initiative was to reward the officers of the Ministry who have demonstrated an exceptional ability providing services to the customers and also to encourage the staff to pursue excellence during the course of their employment in the Ministry.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 20 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 20 A total of 581 families benefited from the donations From the 21st – 22nd of March a team led by the Honorable Minister was in the most affected areas in the Western Division providing relief assistance to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The Ministry acknowledges Carpenters Fiji Limited for donating 800 cartons of island chill water and Fiji Courts Limited for the tents.
Appreciation is also accorded to the Fiji High Commission in Canberra for coordinating the three 20 – foot containers that were sent in from Australia by Imelda and the Italian Association in Queensland, the Mamma Chris of the Miracle Hon.

Minister Yembise & Hon.

Minister Akbar with Indonesian Military Officers at Queen Victoria School “Adopt a School Programme” Foundation and Robert Akbar of Brisbane (Fijian) United in Minister Yembise visited the Indonesian Military Officers who Brisbane South.
was deployed by the Government to rebuild the Queen Victoria School under the “Adopt the School Programme”.

She also Over 800 gifted packages including non-perishable food items officiated at the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community (canned food, flour, sugar, WeetBix, biscuits, rice, noodles, (ZTVFC) Navutukia Village in Naitasiri.
sardines) clothing items for women, men and children, along with toiletries, kitchen utensils, tents, tables and school Apart from the Minister for Women’s visitation, Fiji also hosted stationery items.

The third container was from Rev Lorna another delegation from the Ministry of Social Affairs in Magen – Co-Founder & CEO Sydney Care.

A Total of 581 Indonesia to attend the 2nd JTWG from the 20th – 22nd of families benefited from the donations.

July, 2016.

Hon.
July, 2016.

Hon.

Yohana Susana Yembise Ministerial Visit to Fiji for the 2nd Joint Technical Working Group The Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection for the Government of the Republic of Indonesia Hon.

Yohana Susana Yembise attended the 2nd Joint Technical Working Group hosted by the Fijian Government from the 17th – 19th of July, 2016.

The event was part of an MOU signed between Fiji and Indonesia to collaborate in the areas of women empowerment, gender equality and child protection.
The MOU was to strengthen the partnership between the two countries to share information and resource for development opportunities.
2nd Joint Technical Working Group High Level Delegation from the Ministry of Social Affairs in Indonesian 20 - 22 July 2016 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 21 Department of Social Welfare Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ◆ Child Services Unit ◆ ◆ Older Persons Unit Family Services Unit 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 22 The core responsibility for the Department of Social Welfare is child protection and social protection programs for the poor, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.
An additional responsibility was added in 2016 which was the administration of the three (3) Senior Citizens Homes including Samabula Old Peoples Home, Golden Age Home (Lautoka) and Babasiga Ashram in Labasa.

CHILD SERVICES UNIT The Unit has statutory responsibilities in the Care and Protection of Children.
Ensuring Child Protection through Institutional or Child Welfare Decree Cases Foster Placements The Department facilitated a total of 62 child placements into The Department recorded 511 cases of child abuse from residential facilities.

Table provides a quarterly breakdown of January to July 2016. placements under the residential homes.
Placements under the Residential Homes Quarter 1 & Quarter 2 (2016) Number of Reported Cases January to July 2016 Saint Christopher's Home Treasure Home Saint Minas Children's Home Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation & Development Centre Pearly Gates Home Lomani Au Children's Home 2 2 4 2 1 51 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 121 117 78 58 52 50 35 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Residential Care Monthly Payments Annual audit is conducted at the 9 residential homes to $80,230 was allocated to the nine residential homes.
ensure that they meet the following minimum standards requirements: Standard 1: Security and protection from abuse Standard 2: Meeting the needs of the child Standard 3: Healthy living Standard 4: Education and Training Standard 5: Ensuring child development Standard 6: Preparation for adulthood Standard 7: Maintenance of family contact Standard 8: Encouraging children in decision making Standard 9: Skilled and trained care staff # Residential Home for Children 1 2 Dilkusha Children’s Home Fiji Crippled Children Society 3 Homes of Hope Lomani Au Children’s Home St. Christopher’s Home St. Minas Children’s Home Treasure House Christian Children’s Home Veilomani Boys Home Lautoka Special School Total Total 22,560 1,440 840 8,400 12,600 13,680 17,760 8,400 600 80,280 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 23 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 23 Rehabilitation of Juvenile Offenders The Department serves as the Government Agency that has statutory responsibilities under the Juveniles Act (Cap 56 1973), towards the care and protection of children via a court decision.
Care Plans The Department developed 64 care plans for the children in the nine residential homes.

Child Helpline (CHL) Toll Free No: 1325 A Total of 6,573 calls were received through the child helpline.
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 120 24 24 30 18 56 Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central Genuine Prank Silent Testing Voice Mail 2949 592 710 1052 1270 Training of Trainers Protection Programmes which requires collaboration The Department continued to train identified community between Government, Non-Government Organizations and members as facilitators on Child Protection Programmes.

A communities to effectively address the issue at National level.
total of 6 trainings were conducted across the four Divisions (Northern -2, North west-1, South West- 2 and South East -1) Court Reports The National Coordinating Committee on Children divisions.

A total of 313 court reports were submitted across the 6 (NCCC) The NCCC is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its role also extends to providing advice, regulating and monitoring the protection and welfare of children in Fiji.
A total of 7 Meetings were facilitated by the Department (Secretariat) to inform its committee members on the development towards the implementation of recommendation from the United CRC Secretariat in Geneva.
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Campaign (PCAN) - Blue Ribbon Campaign The Department facilitated 2 PCAN campaigns in its efforts to continue to provide awareness on Child 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 24 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 24 Trainers teaching children at school about Child Helpline 1325 (Toll Free) Number Family Services Unit The Unit is responsible for the implementation of the Social Protection Programs, Income Generating Initiatives and management of Grants to Non-Government Organizations.
Poverty Benefit Scheme A sum of $22million has been allocated towards this initiative.

The Scheme targets those who are “poorest of the poor” and living in destitution.

The Ministry by 31st July 2016 was able to assist a total of 22,571 registered cases.

Furthermore, the Department processed a total of 1004 approved cases PBS Cases Reviewed The Department reviewed a total of 2,744 cases under the Poverty Benefit Scheme (PBS).
The Northern division accumulated the highest review figures with a total of 1783 reviewed cases.
22,571 registered cases assisted by the Ministry as at 31 July 2016 Care and Protection Allowance (C&P) The allowance aims to provide FJD30 to FJD60 per month to children, depending on age and disability; families are permitted to receive a maximum of FJD110 per month, plus a food voucher of FJD30.The C&P Allowance is also given as cash grants to residential homes that provide foster care, adoption and residential facilities for orphans.
Government continued to assist the program with a budgetary allocation of $3.2 million and assisted a total of 3,458 families by end of July 2016.

C&P New Approvals The department approved a total of 321 cases under the Care and Protection Allowance cases with the highest approvals recorded from the Central Division.

C&P Reviews The Department reviewed a total of 318 cases under the Care and Protection Allowance.
$22million allocated (PBS) 1,004 approved cases Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central 104 36 57 170 266 2,744 cases reviewed (PBS) Highest: Northern Division 1,783 cases 56 188 141 321 255 Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central 371 1783 $3.2million allocated (C&P) C&P New Approvals: 321 cases (Highest: Central Division - 127) 127 Central Nasinu South East South West North West Northern 36 38 51 28 41 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 C&P Reviews 318 cases Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central 13 3 13 57 111 121 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 25 Social Pension Scheme (SPS) Food Voucher Program for Rural Pregnant Mothers The Programme is targeted for persons aged 68 years and (FVPRPM) over who do not have any form of income or pension, or The Program continues to serve as an incentive for rural who have never been beneficiaries of any superannuation pregnant mothers to register early in their health facilities as schemes like FNPF and Ex-Servicemen Fund with a monthly to avoid later complications during later stages of pregnancy allowance of $50.
Through a budgetary allocation of $13 or during child birth.

With a budget of $0.5 Million, the million, a total of 19,174 individuals were assisted.

Department processed a total of 1,721 approved cases.

SPS New Approvals & Reviews A total of 2,996 new approvals were processed while a total of 557 cases were reviewed under the Scheme.
$0.5million allocated (FVPRPM) 1,721 approved cases 952 712 547 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 323 269 193 Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central Northern North West South West South East Central 257 386 166 496 416 Grants to Voluntary Organizations The Department in recognition of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) contribution to enhancing service delivery to its target groups, a specific grant to voluntary organizations is allocated accordingly.
In 2016 from January to July, there were no grants given to organizations due to the change in financial year.

Bus Fare Subsidy A total of 2777 bus fare cards approved as highlighted in the table.

Fire Victim Assistance A $1000 grant is provided for immediate relief to the families affected by fire, a total of 66 cases were approved.
1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 932 399 387 508 348 203 Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central 3 5 5 21 9 23 Income Generating Project In 2016, there were no IGP trainings conducted, due to diversion of funds for rehabilitation Post TC Winston.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 26 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 26 Older Persons Unit Fiji’s commitment to address the ageing issue nationally is evident in the endorsement of the National Policy on ageing [2011-2015].

The National Council of Older Persons (NCOP) was officially established as per the NCOP Decree 2012, on 4th July 2013 to provide services and programmes for Older Persons.

This will promote inclusive, protective, healthy and supportive environment for Older Persons in Fiji.
Below is the list of NCOP registered Organizations.

NCOP Registered Affiliates 1.

The Mother Aubert Home of Compassion Trust, Suva 2.

Housing Assistance and Relief Trust, Nasinu 3.

The Suva Relief Fund Trust Board (Pearce Home, Suva 4.

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, Suva 5.

The Golden Age Home, Lautoka 6.

Samabula Senior Citizens Home, Suva 7.

Father Law Home (Lami, Suva 8.

Senior Citizens Association, Nadi 9.

Senior Citizens Foundation, Lautoka 10.


Sisters of our Lady of Nazareth Retirement Home, Wailoku Suva 11.

Banaban Elders and Land Owners Association Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon Rosy Akbar, and the Participants of the Regional expert Forum on Population Ageing that was held in Bangkok on the 12th and 13th July 2016 at the ESCAP Convention Centre.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, through the NCOP organized a 1 day consultation on 17th February 2016, towards the establishment of the National Minimum Standards for Institutional Homes on the Care of Older Persons.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 27 Department of Women Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Thematic Area 1: Formal Sector Employment and Livelihood Thematic Area 2: Equal Participation in Decision Making Thematic Area 3: Elimination of Violence against Women Thematic Area 4: Access to Services Thematic Area 5: Women and the Law 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 28 The Department is the primary policy advisor to Government Activity 2: Gender mainstreaming Workshop on women development and gender issues.
The role of The Department facilitated a five day workshop for 17 Department is categorized under Five Thematic Areas as Focal Point Officers identified from various Ministries and stimulated in the Women’s Plan of Action (WPA).
Department across Civil Service Thematic Area 1: Formal Sector Employment and Livelihood Thematic Area 3: Elimination of Violence against Women Activity 1: Women Resource Center Activity 1: Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community The Department conducted 18 visitations across the four (ZTVFC) divisions to gauge the effectiveness of Women’s Resource The Department carried out various activities through the Centers ZTVFC Programme across the four divisions as highlighted Activity 2: CIPUTRA Institute Business Mentoring Program The Department in collaboration with the CIPUTRA Institute conducted 2 post evaluation exercises and 1 meeting with the Indonesian delegation to follow up on learning captured from Business Mentoring Program to ensure participants business are sustainable.
Activity 3: Livelihood Project Three projects were funded with the total budget of $9,227.82 Thematic Area 2: Equal Participation in Decision Making Activity 1: Leadership Training and Monitoring of Marama-ni-Yavusa The Department continued to provide Leadership training to the identified 91 Marama-ni-Yavusa across the four divisions.
In addition, monitoring exercise was also conducted to capture the progress, learning and challenges faced by the women that were provided with Marama-ni-Yavusa training in the past years.

A total of fourteen (14) Marama ni Yavusa were visited - two (2) in the Central Division and twelve (12) from the Western division.
below: Program Declarations Phase 7 Trainings Visits TOTAL Division Eastern Central Western Western Eastern Northern Western Central Number of Programs 1 2 2 1 1 2 10 3 22 Thematic Area 4: Access to Services Activity: Rocket Stove Training The Department facilitated two weeks training of community members in Navala, Ba from 6/06/2016-17/06/16 on how to construct rocket stoves and provide advice on the benefits of rocket stoves in rural communities.
Thematic Area 5: Women and the Law The Ministry submitted the fifth periodic report of state parties on the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 29 Poverty Monitoring Unit Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ◆ Baseline Collation & Programme Implementer Consultations 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 30 The Unit is mandated to monitor and report on the effectiveness of Poverty Alleviation Programmes (PAP) of Government through: • • • Consultation with PAP implementers and stakeholders Carry out research and prepare feedback reports Provide policy briefs to Honourable Minister for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation on progress of PAP Baseline Collation & Programme Implementer Consultations The Unit gathered baseline information to provide a platform towards the INPEP Survey to gauge the impact of the following Poverty Alleviation Programme on the beneficiaries: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Squatter Upgrading and Resettlement Agricultural Marketing Authority Upgrading of cane Access roads Rural and Outer Islands Agriculture Development Rural Housing Assistance Agricultural Extension Crops Fiji Groundwater Assessment Rural Postal Service HART Drainage and Flood Protection Others Existing Scholarship Scheme National Toppers TELS Rural Electrification Divisional Development Project Staff, budget and resources were deployed to assist in TC Winston rehabilitation programmes (Help For Home Initiative), manning the Ministry’s Operation centre and the National Emergency Operation centre at Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Office.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 31 Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston Relief Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ◆ Help for Home Initiative ◆ Top-up for Welfare Recipients 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 32 Help for Home Initiative The Help for Home Initiatives was initiated by Fijian Government Recipients were able to procure approved building material to assist families whose houses were partially or completely from the selected Hardware Companies towards rebuilding destroyed by Cyclone Winston.
The initiative benefited 37,573 of their Houses.

Home owners who had repaired or rebuilt Fijians who met the standard criteria set for the Programme.

The their houses were eligible under the Programme criteria assistance is in the form of Pre-paid electronic card developed to claim for refunds with evidence provided on the amount by Vodafone Fiji.

The Cards were distributed with a pin number spent.
From May to June 2016, the Ministry conducted the at $1500 (Informal Settlement/Partially Damaged Roofing), $3000 first phase of HFH exercise in the affected areas whereby (Fully Damaged Roofing) and $7000 (Complete destruction of roof 23,985 recipients were assisted with a total Government and supporting wall).
spending of $87,122,000.00 as tabulated below: Number of Beneficiaries Total 23,985 Funds Issued Total 87,122,000 Phase 1: 1500 Phase 1: 3000 Phase 1: 7000 8138 34% 4257 18% 11590 48% Phase 1: 1500 Phase 1: 3000 Phase 1: 7000 17,385,000 20% 12,771,000 15% 56,966,000 65% Top-up (Cash Assistance) for Welfare Recipients The Fijian Government provided cash assistance to welfare recipients post TC Winston, the disbursement of cash targeting the most vulnerable group.
Tabulated below are the various social protection scheme benefits and Post Disaster Payments.

Table: Social Protection TC Winston Top Up Social Protection Schemes Poverty Benefit Scheme Care & Protection Programme Social Pension Scheme SP Target Groups Households in the 10% poorest of the population No.
of Beneficiaries 23,035 households Top Up Amount $600 Total Paid Out $19.9 m Disadvantaged households with children (single parents/ foster care) Elderly (68+ years old) with no alternative means of support 3,257 households 17,232 individuals $300 $300 World Food Programme (WFP) also worked with the Ministry to assist the Social Welfare recipients in the 12 priority affected areas.

WFP assisted with top-up of the food voucher programme for two months (May & June).
The table below summarizes the number of households assisted: Program Top Up Amount for Food Voucher Total Assisted Total Amount Paid Poverty Benefit Scheme & Care & Protection Programme $300 (2 months x $150) Social Pension Scheme $100 (2 months x $50) 12,761 households 7,895 Individuals $4.6m 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 33 Corporate Services Department Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ◆ ◆ Administrative Section Accounts Section 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 34 The Ministry’s Corporate Services comprises of the human resource management, administrative services and financial services for the efficient and effective performance of the Ministry’s daily operations.
Administrative Section The Ministry’s standard policies and processes are aligned to the Civil Service Regulations.
These guidelines are developed to ensure the Ministry adheres to the standard processes towards; • Recruitment and selection • Promotion • Training & Development • Disciplinary procedures • Performance Assessment • Job Evaluation Exercise The Unit is also responsible for the administration of the: • Registry Section • Asset management (Annual Board of Survey) • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) 1.
Staffing: The Ministry employs a total 376 staff, 215 were Established Staff while 81 were Government Wager Earners and 80 Project Officers.

2.

Post Processing Unit: continued to identify vacant positions that exist in the Ministry and facilitate necessary requirements to choose suitable candidates to fill those positions in accordance with the new Open Merit Recruitment & Selection Guideline (OMRS) which was introduced across the Civil Service.

3.
3.

Training Section: continued to identify Local & Overseas courses/training available in consultation with Ministry of Civil Service, according to the training needs of the Ministry and Staff to address skills and knowledge gaps at individual and organization level.

In addition, staff were trained on Open Merit Recruitment & Selection Guideline.

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4.

Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE): through the on-going civil service reform programmes, the Unit undertook two phases of job evaluation exercises to define position based pay &remuneration and provide the policy basis for Permanent Secretaries to implement Job evaluation and remuneration setting: • • Trench 1: Administrative band Trench 2: Technical Band 5.
Other activities: • • Service Excellence Awards Night - the Ministry in its efforts to recognize the work carried out by the various Departments, organized an awards night to highlight the achievements for the year 2015.

Social & Welfare Committee organized medical check-up for Civic Tower staff of the Ministry.

The Ministry continues to participate in various sports activities as part of Wellness Program.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 35 Accounts Section The Accounts Section carries out its key responsibilities through the following: In 2016 (Jan-July), the following financial and accounting functions were achieved: 1.

Management of payments through: • • • Payment to Social Welfare beneficiaries and service providers (suppliers); Closing of 2016 (Jan-July) Accounts; Meeting financial requirements of the Ministry in support to its Business Operations 2.
Compliance and Monitoring: • Adhering to financial regulations through provision of Financial Statement to Ministry of Finance (salary reconciliation, petty cash and bank reconciliation, IDC and Drawings, • Adapting to Ministry of Finance instructions through Finance Circulars and: • Addressing audit queries 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 36 Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation Headquarters: 5th Floor, Civic Towers Victoria Parade, Suva Republic of Fiji 2016 ANNUAL REPORT / 38