Malawi NGO Urges District Councils to Fund Children's Parliament Sessions
This initiative aims to strengthen children's competencies in communication, problem-solving, and negotiation, both individually and collectively.
SALIMA, Malawi— Kindle Orphan Outreach, a Malawian non-governmental organization, is calling on district councils across the country to allocate funds for Children's Parliament sessions, highlighting the importance of youth voices in policy-making, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
The appeal comes on the heels of a five-day Children's Parliament forum held in Salima district from September 9-13, 2024.
The event, themed "Children's Voice Matters," was organized by the Salima district council in partnership with Kindle Orphan Outreach, Save the Children, World Vision International, and WORLEC.
Joseph Kandiyesa, executive director of Kindle Orphan Outreach, emphasized the significance of these forums.
"Children's Parliament is a forum every district must have because children's voices matter and are not contaminated by political, tribal, racial, regional, and religious affiliations," Kandiyesa said.
He urged councils to set aside funds from various sources, including the Constituency Development Fund, District Development Fund, and local revenue, to support these events annually.
Kandiyesa also called on civil society organizations and businesses to participate in funding these initiatives.
Senior Traditional Authority Kalonga stressed the importance of policymakers attending these forums to gain firsthand information from children when formulating policies to protect their rights.
Chifundo Manong'a, acting Director of Social and Community Development for Salima District Council, noted that the parliament serves as a capacity-building platform for children, equipping them with skills for personal development and national progress.
The Children's Parliament provides a platform for young people to express their views, participate in discussions, and engage in decision-making processes.
This initiative aims to strengthen children's competencies in communication, problem-solving, and negotiation, both individually and collectively.
As Malawi continues to focus on child welfare and rights, the push for regular Children's Parliament sessions across all districts represents a significant step towards inclusive policymaking and youth empowerment.