Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha says about 88 percent of the 4 000 street-connected children have at least one living parent, while 56 percent reportedly receive permission from their parents or guardians to go to the streets.
She disclosed the figures at the commemoration of the International Day of Families and Street-connected Children at Lunzu Primary School in Blantyre on Saturday.
“Family breakdown, violence, neglect, substance abuse, poverty and inadequate social protection systems continue to push children into the street,” said Navicha.
The minister said the children are exposed to violence, abuse and exploitation.
Said Navicha: “A nation with broken families can hardly shape its future, because families are the cornerstone of society. We cannot discuss economy, development or a prosperous Malawi when families are broken.
“We cannot achieve Malawi 2063 if family roles and responsibilities are neglected.”
Senior Chief Kapeni said there are some men who marry, have children and then abandon the family to marry another wife. Sometimes up to five marriages leaving children behind without their father’s support.
Project Hope US country representative Tiwonge Moyo said it was crucial to sensitise parents and guardians on the importance of looking after their children.
She said non-governmental organisations are committed to supporting the government in its efforts to build stronger families that protect children.
