120 Children Exit World Vision Program in Malawi, Half Due to Marriage
World Vision Malawi supports government efforts to enhance well-being through education, agriculture, health, and child protection initiatives.
CHITIPA, Malawi— World Vision removed 120 children from its sponsorship program in Kameme, Chitipa, between October 2023 and August 2024, officials announced during the organization's annual sponsorship week, writes Patricia Kayuni.
Felix Bandawe, the area sponsorship officer for Kameme, said 50 of the children entered into marriages.
The remaining left either for employment in Tanzania or due to parental separation.
"We're collaborating with community leaders, law enforcement, and child protection stakeholders to combat early marriages, child trafficking, and neglect," Bandawe said at the event held at Nankhonza Full Primary School.
Senior Chief Kameme called the situation "disgraceful and distressing," noting the area's location between two countries often leads parents to send children across borders for work.
"Local authorities must unite and enforce existing regulations against these issues," the chief said.
World Vision Malawi supports government efforts to enhance well-being through education, agriculture, health, and child protection initiatives.
This year's sponsorship week theme was "End now! End early marriages now!"