Malawi Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare says it has developed a comprehensive programme on the rehabilitation of street children and children with disabilities begging on the streets to reunite them with their families.
Minister of Gender Anita Kalinde made the remarks in Parliament on Thursday.
Kalinde said the ministry launched the ‘Home for Every Child Campaign’ in March 2013.
She said through the programme, the ministry understands the circumstances that force children to leave their homes and seek refuge in streets.
“My ministry has established that the children are taken on the streets by those who want to make easy money and the children are paid a share regardless of their situation. They are also taken by parents or relatives who want to supplement family income and some are trafficked.
“Therefore, the ministry has finalised the work plan on civic education on the provisions of the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act which will commence in July 2013,” said Kalinde.
She said so far, some children have been taken out of the streets and reunited with their families.
According to Kalinde, some children have already been connected to social cash transfer programmes.
Currently, the Ministry of Disability and Elderly Affairs is conducting a study to determine how children with disabilities could better be protected and supported.
