Change mindset, Nice tells duty-bearers

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Public Trust has asked police, healthcare workers and court officers from Senior Chief Ngabu in Chikwawa District to address violations of children’s rights.

The district’s Nice civic education officer Kondwani Malunga made the call on Saturday at Senior Chief Ngabu’s headquarters during a meeting with stakeholders on mindset change as an enabler of Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development plan.

His call follows children’s rights abuses such as defilement in the area.

Malunga cited a case of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly impregnated by his father, but he is yet to appear in court.

He also said another case involves a man who allegedly defiled a mentally challenged girl and another who allegedly defiled an 11-year-old girl but they have not been arrested.

“I call stakeholders to change the way they do their work and demonstrate patriotism and high level of integrity. Failure to embrace mindset change is reversing the country’s development,” said Malunga.

Senior Chief Ngabu  challenged stakeholders to take action on the cases.

The area’s child protection worker Joseph Silulu expressed concern with lack of progress on defilement cases.

Responding to the concerns, Chikwawa Police Station officer-in-charge Carolyne Jere said she was aware of all the cases and assured that her office will follow proper procedures to ensure that justice is delivered.

She encouraged the community to continue reporting crimes to police.

Chikwawa district social welfare officer Aaron Macheka advised stakeholders to ensure cases are being followed at every level until they are concluded.

With funding from the Malawi Government, Nice is raising awareness on mindset change and cholera prevention.