Arranged marriages rampant in Nkhata Bay

World Vision Malawi has warned parents against arranging marriages for their children, a tradition which is rampant in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mankhambira’s area in Nkhata Bay district. Speaking at a function commemorating the Global Week of Action which run from May 4-11, WVM’s  zonal manager for the North, Lameck Chimphero,  said community by-laws were formulated in 2014 to deal with the problem.  He said: “The community by-laws have now been endorsed to prevent child abuse which includes early and arranged marriages.”  Chairperson of Nkhata Bay District Council, Faston Theu, said parents have now been sensitised to the need to rescue their children from early marriages. According to WVM records, 120 girls and 115 boys have been freed and have gone back to school. —MARTHA SANDE, Staff Reporter