A Step Forward
A 32-year-old single mother of three was laid off from work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was living with her three children at her father’s home.
She managed to contact Empower Pacific when our team of Counsellors visited her village as part of the the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion – REACH program organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Government of Japan late last year (2021).
Senior Counsellor Ms. Vasemaca Natoga attends to a client during the REACH Program
As her source of income was put on a halt, she turned to fishing, collecting sea mussels and farming to provide for her family. While speaking to the Counsellors she explained that after losing her job, she was in a constant state of worry while thinking of ways to feed her children. The Counsellor psycho-educated her on anxiety and discussed its effects on her lifestyle. Since the sea and the land were the only things she could turn to for support, the Counsellor provided further encouragement to keep using the natural resources for subsistence.
She spoke freely and comfortably because the Counsellor was able to communicate in her dialect. As there was no language barrier between them, the counselling process was made more efficient and convenient. The client felt that she was not able to talk to the other people around her due to the stigma attached to being a single mother. She was relieved that the counselling support was a confidential and non-judgmental service.
“I have been able to share freely with you which I have never done before. And I am feeling much better now than before.”
With further exploration, the client shared that her mother had recently passed away and she was unable to speak to anyone freely after that. Her mother was her pillar of strength.
The Counsellor noted a sigh of relief and a glow in her eyes. The client was emotional while sharing her thoughts and feelings. She said that she was grateful and appreciated her time with the Counsellor.
Seeing the work being undertaken by the youths and volunteers, she expressed an interest in joining the REACH team. The Counsellor referred her to the person in charge for consideration. As she was able to speak the dialect of the people in that village thus giving a sense of familiarity, she was immediately taken on board as a volunteer.
She was required to talk to the people of her locality as they come in to see what their specific issues were before referring them to the right organization for assistance. This was ideal for her as she could communicate well with everyone.
All volunteers were given a daily allowance. Buying food from the market can be expensive but while in the village, she had land that she could use for vegetation. The Counsellor noticed that her client would always get her lunch from home instead of buying from restaurants which indicated that she was saving her allowance money.
The client also shared that she was not able to spend much time with her children and family because she was always out fishing, farming or busy with housework. During the counselling session, she was able to realize that she had to prioritize her time with her children and family to develop a good relationship with them. During a follow-up counselling session, the client stated that she was using prayer time in the evenings to be with her children and family.
The counsellor saw her as a very strong woman who loved her children and ensured that they are always well looked after.
Empower Pacific will also be part of the REACH Team and provide counselling support services for communities in Ba and Tavua from 25th April to 6th May.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or afraid, our counsellors are ready to provide you support.
