Malawi Government has rejected the new registration application of Tiyamike Mulungu Centre, home to 114 orphaned children in Nsanje and has since directed that the centre be closed.
In a letter dated December 3, 2013 signed by Nsanje district commissioner (DC) Harry Phiri, government has further directed that the 114 children housed there should be integrated with their relatives.
But one of directors of the centre, Will Phillips, has expressed disappointment with the government’s decision. He said they will resubmit their application.
The letter follows a recent application submitted by the centre which prompted the district team to conduct an assessment to find out if the place is conducive for care, support and protection of the children to grow and develop to their full potential so that they can be responsible citizens.
In their summarised findings, the team pointed out five shortfalls to the centre, but it fell short of providing specifics such as on allegations of number of malnourished children when in their earlier report they praised the centre on the children’s well-being.
But in an interview recently, Phillips described the team’s findings as stunning.
Government has in the past claimed that the centre was closed for failing to meet the standards, but Phillips said the reports were inaccurate.
“Tiyamike has never closed. It is totally inaccurate. It has never happened,” he said.
Commenting on the highlighted shortfalls in the report, Phillips said the centre was not aware of the report.
But in reaction to a 2009 report which accused management of being adamant to advice from the district social welfare office, Phillips said there has been no review or inquiry or reference in regards to the report.
