Chisomo scales up fight for street children’s rights

In its quest to improve access to rights of vulnerable children, Chisomo Children’s Club (CCC) has scaled up its activities which target children and other parties involved in the fight for access to children’s rights.

CCC deputy board chairperson Kachere Khumalo said presently the institution has ventured into anti-child trafficking sensitisation activities and children diversion programme, among others.

The sensitisation programme is targeting police officers, the Judiciary and children. While in the diversion programme, the club in collaboration with Theatre for a Change is withdrawing girls from hot spots such as bottle stores and brothels where they are involved in prostitution.

“We are engaged in outreach programmes, diversion, education and vocational trainings. Family re-integration and follow ups and also community education are some of the programmes we are engaged in at the moment,” said Khumalo.

This has led to increased demand for shelter at CCC premises in Lilongwe where the institution, with K5 million funding from Irish Government, has renovated a Transit Annex shelter for girls.

Khumalo also said that since 1998, the club has managed to assist more than 2 000 children by taking them off the street and connecting them with their families.

Irish Ambassador Aine Hearns commended CCC for the work it is doing hildren and helping them to equip themselves to become useful citizens in future is commendable.” – JACOB NANKHONYA