Tikondane Care for Children project coordinator Sister Marie Sakina has urged communities in Lilongwe to protect children from abuse and dangers of street life.
She said it was sad that some parents, guardians and traditional leaders do not properly take care of children, who mostly end up on the streets of Lilongwe.
Sakina made the remarks on Friday at Phwetekere Ground in Area 36 in the capital city during a community awareness campaign which was held under the theme ‘Our children, our future, our responsibility: Let’s hold hands to protect them from abuse and the dangers of street life’.
| Foster Benjamin
She said: “Since January, we have been receiving many children from Area 36 and most of these children are running all over the streets of Lilongwe. That is why we are here to talk to parents, chiefs and community members to work together to properly take care of these children.”
Area 36 Police Unit community policing coordinator Sub Inspector Chimwemwe Moda asked the community to step up efforts to identify and report cases of child abuse.
“We appeal to people to report to the police any case of abuse against children. It is pathetic that some children, especially girls are being sexually abused but their cases are not reported,” he said.
Group village head Kaondo hailed Tikondane Care for Children for the message, saying it was timely and informative.
“It is true that some parents neglect their children, who in the end go to the streets, thereby putting themselves at risk,” he said.
