‘Let us protect children’s rights’
It is imperative for stakeholders to have a concerted approach in enhancing protection of the rights of children in the country, Youth Net and Counselling (Yoneco) has said.
Yoneco district manager for Balaka Veronica Mkandawire made the observation on Wednesday during the training of 35 participants from school committees (SMCs), learners, and parents and teachers association which was held at M’manga Teacher Development Centre in the district.
She said with the Learn without Fear project which Yoneco is implementing in the district, to enhance capacity building of teachers, and child rights clubs, is necessary in creating safe, secure and protective environments within schools and the surrounding communities for the achievement of positive education outcomes.
Said Mkandawire: “We need to increase awareness among children and communities on child rights, violence against children, child sexual abuse, child protection and community mobilisation.
“Children have to be accorded their responsible rights in order for them to realise their education potential, promote their participation through keep busy programmes that will make them learn positive relationships in the communities and schools.”
She said most children fail to express their right to education because most households live below the poverty line which prompts parents to engage them in income generating activities, and early marriages, among other reasons.
In a separate interview, one of the participants George Kapito said sensitisation of the parents will assist in ensuring that children have the right to education which will make them better citizens in the future.
Plan Malawi is funding the Learn without Fear Project which is expected to run for three years.
