Mangochi District Council labour officer Alice Chandilanga has urged parents and guardians in the district to stop child labour as the practice violates children’s right to education.
She said this on Thursday at Mwalija Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimwala during an awareness campaign on the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (Save) project that Mangochi Community Technical College is implementing.
Chandilanga noted that many children in the district are forced to sell fritters (mandasi) and other goods or perform menial tasks during school hours.
She said: “As parents and guardians, we must send our children to school.
“Once they complete secondary education, they should proceed to institutions such as Mangochi Community Technical College to acquire skills that will help generate income.”
Chandilanga also warned that parents and guardians found engaging their children in child labour will face legal consequences.
The council conducted the awareness campaign at a time the college has received funding from the World
Bank for the construction of a girls’ hostel, workshop and greenhouse at the institution.
The district’s principal gender officer Mariana Kanjirawaya cautioned women working at construction sites, including the ongoing project at the college to be vigilant against abuse.
“It is time for women and children to stand up against exploitation in construction sites. No-one should take advantage of you,” she said.
On her part, the college’s principal Mbasa Mwawembe reiterated the institution’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable access to skills training, particularly for women, vulnerable youths and people with disabilities.
“Our campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventing child labour while promoting education and skills development for young people,” he said.
