Government presses for closure of Nsanje orphan centre
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.
Government is right, in most cases such centers are simply baits for people like Phillip. Government has an ultimate responsibility over the welfare of children including orphans and Not individuals like Phillip. We have of late seen an influx of orphan centers that live alot to be desired.
Govt should clearly point out what the centre needs to improve. I really have contempt for people who sit comfortably in their houses and offices and condemn people who give some of their resources to help children in need. If they say the children should be reintegrated in their extended families, has Govt assessed the living conditions of the extended families if at all they exist? I urge Govt to be practical and assist those people with Goodwill who part with their money to help people in need.
I sense vested interests here from both parties. It appears both gvt and Mr. Phillips arent prioritising the children at hand. Firstly, if the centre is not up to standard why not help those running it bring it up to standard? Secondly, on the part of Mr. Phillips, it is possible that the centre’s condition is lamentable in which case gvt would be right to close it so that whining about how its unfair doesnt help the children much. Mind you we are talking about human development here and to tell you the truth, its complexicated. What am I saying? I believe there is a way to both keep the centre running and improve its standards by having the two parties work together as partners in the children’s welfare and not approach the issue as antagonists. After all, such innitiaves are needed to patch up our HIV torn society fabric.