Open Arms Infant Home says it is set to transition about 25 children from its Mangochi centre back to their respective communities as part of ongoing child reintegration programme.
Speaking on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mangochi to unveil the plans, the organisation’s board chairperson James Wandawanda said Open Arms successfully transitioned 28 children from its Blantyre centre to their communities in June 2024.
“We want to do the same in Mangochi. We intend to reintegrate all children from the care home into their respective families and continue supporting them until they turn five,” he said.
Wandawanda emphasised that children raised in foster or family-based care settings tend to develop better socially and emotionally compared to those brought up in institutional homes.
“Children from birth to five
years old are better off growing up with their close relatives while we continue to provide support at every stage. This helps them to develop a sense of belonging within their families,” he said.
In her remarks, Mangochi District Council administrator Vinace Juma commended the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for the children to grow up alongside their siblings.
“We find the initiative good because when the children return to their communities, they will form part of the social fabric,” she said.
Mangochi assistant district social welfare officer Harvey M’bwezo said they will continue to assess the homes and ensure that caregivers understand and uphold children’s rights.
The organisation implements its activities, including the reintegration programme with support from donors in the United Kingdom.
