Salima district social welfare officer Edgar Kasiyafumbi has underscored the importance of encouraging families and communities to take care of children instead of relying on institutional care.
He said this on Monday when he briefed child care institution managers on Malawi’s National Children’s Care Reform Strategy for 2026-2030, which seeks to reduce reliance on institutional care for children.
Kasiyafumbi, speaking after a briefing organised in partnership with Salima Aids Support Organisation, said that the strategy is not meant to close the institutions but prioritise family-based alternative care.
“It also promotes independent living support for young people aged 18 and above, but remain in child care institutions. It is a government reform in line with global child protection practices,” he said.
In his remarks, Pothawira Child Care Institution manager Angella Maseko said a lot needs to be considered for the effectiveness of the strategy.
She observed that some children go to the institutions after running away from abuse such as rape.
“Therefore, for such situations, it takes a lot to reintegrate them into their families or society,” said Maseko.
She added that at 18 years, most girls are not done with school yet and it will not be easy for them to live independently.
Pothawira Child Care Institution was established in 2012 and hosts over 110 children and almost half of them are aged 18 and above.
Salima District has eight child care institutions hosting over 300 children.
