Mchinji District Commemorates Day of African Child, Advocates for Children's Rights
Mchinji District marks Day of African Child, emphasizes the need to protect children's rights and combat child abuse and early marriages.
MCHINJI, MALAWI - Mchinji District on Thursday observed the Day of the African Child at Kavunguti Primary School in T/A Mduwa, with the event highlighting the importance of safeguarding the rights of children, reducing school dropouts, and combating child marriages, writes Gerald Fanuel.
Former Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour, stressed the significance of collective efforts from the government and non-governmental organisations in tackling the challenges faced by vulnerable children.
Kaliati urged collaboration and resource sharing, stating, "If the government and non-governmental organisations could come together and help these children, it could empower these learners to work hard at school and protect them from abuses."
Expressing concern at the increasing circulation of explicit content on social media, Kaliati emphasized the need for parents and guardians to educate children about the responsible use of technology.
She emphasized that sharing such content degrades women and girls, and urged society to teach children to use online platforms responsibly and avoid harassment and abuse.
In an interview with AfricaBrief, Mchinji District Social Welfare Officer Joyce Thotho Malika highlighted the lack of resources hindering their efforts to protect children from abuse, child marriages, and early pregnancies.
Despite reducing child marriages and early pregnancies by 35 percent, limited resources have affected the office's ability to effectively carry out its mission.
Senior Chief M'duwa expressed satisfaction with the event being held in his area, stating that it provided an opportunity for more people to learn about children's rights.
He remained hopeful that the event would bring about positive change in the community's treatment of children.
The commemoration, organised under the theme "Ufulu Wa Ana Munjira Za Makono Zofalitsira Uthenga" (Freedom of Children through New Technologies), received support from various organizations including World Vision, Fighting Against Exploitation of People (FAEP), Girls Activists Youth Organisation (GAYO), Advancing Girls Education in Africa (AGE Africa), and Theatre For Change.