Malawi NGO Tackles Child Marriage Through Poverty Alleviation Project
The program targets vulnerable children at risk of early marriage, youth, and parents in the community under Senior Traditional Authority Mponela's jurisdiction.
DOWA, Malawi— A local community organisation has launched a project to combat child marriage in Malawi's Dowa district, where poverty continues to drive the practice, writes Rabecca Kaunda Mwafulirwa.
The Golden Family Community-Based Organisation (GOFAO) is implementing the initiative in Nyengere community, focusing on economic support and agricultural training for vulnerable families.
GOFAO Executive Director Yamikani Chikho said an assessment conducted in September revealed Nyengere had recorded high rates of child marriages linked to poverty.
"As an Organisation we conducted an assessment that occurred in September last year, where it shows that Nyengere is one of the communities that has registered most number of cases of child marriages due to poverty," Chikho said.
The project includes a livestock pass-on program and modern farming techniques to improve household income.
Beneficiaries will receive agricultural inputs and training.
Senior Group Village Headman Nyengere expressed support for the initiative, citing poverty and lack of awareness as primary factors driving child marriages in the region.
He called on community members to end the practice.
The program targets vulnerable children at risk of early marriage, youth, and parents in the community under Senior Traditional Authority Mponela's jurisdiction.
By addressing the economic roots of child marriage, GOFAO aims to create sustainable change.
The organization's multifaceted approach combines immediate assistance with skills training to help families build long-term financial stability.
As the project gets underway, its success could offer valuable insights for similar initiatives across Malawi and beyond.
With poverty reduction at its core, this community-based effort represents a promising strategy in the ongoing battle against child marriage.