For a moment, they forgot the trauma they face on the streets—the harsh weather under those dark bridges, the agony from sexual exploitation and substance abuse.
This once, they tasted the stuff of royalty—the unique warmth, a slice of love and comfort reserved for the country’s first couple and their guests.
Actually, the children, who have no shoulder to cry on and parents to smile with, shared the same table and meal with some of the country’s top decision-makers.
The marginalised young Malawians could not even dream of passing the restricted gates of a presidential palace and dine with First Lady, Monica Chakwera.
On April 22, at least 200 street-connected children had a rare treat at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, hosted by the First Lady to commemorate their day.
The International Day for Street-Connected Children shines the light on the rights, strength and resilience of millions of children often sidestepped globally.
Malawi is home to at least 15 000 street-connected children, according to the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.
The count represents a threefold surge from about 5 000 in 2017.
However, these children face teething challenges, including lack of access to decent homes, quality healthcare and education.
They are also disproportionately exposed to violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse and rights violations, denying them a solid start in life.
The First Lady, through her Shaping Our Future Foundation, passionately believes in the vision of every child, including those abandoned to the streets.
She advocates for their improved well-being welfare, repeatedly proclaiming that street-connected children have the equal opportunity and potential to make a difference if properly supported.
Chakwera says she considers street-connected children as rights-holders, thinkers, innovators and agents of change who “must be seen, heard and included in decisions that affect their lives”.
During the rare gathering at Kamuzu Palace, she asked individuals and organisations to join forces in safeguarding the rights and welfare of street-connected children.
“If we want a better Malawi tomorrow, we must invest in our children today. That will require that we work together and commit to help street-connected children who are vulnerable,” she the First Lady.
She pledged that her foundation will continue to support and uplift vulnerable children nationwide.
Chakwera called for collective efforts to protect the street-connected children’s rights, including access to education and skills development.
She said her charity would never relent tackling the plight of street-connected children, including neglect, poverty, stigma, abuse and lack of access to basics such as education, healthcare and protection.
“These children also carry dreams, talents and the capacity to thrive if only we recognise them, hear them, and involve them,” said Chakwera.
Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Halima Daud said government, through the ministry, is committed to protecting and upholding the rights of every child as required by existing laws and international agreements.
“Government prioritises the inclusion of children as a cornerstone of national development, but cannot single-handedly address the challenges faced by street-connected children. This requires collective responsibility,” she said.
Daud indicated that the ministry is strengthening child protection systems and collaborating with various partners to support community-based interventions and review policies to uphold children’s rights.
The event was facilitated by Bwenzi la Mwana Foundation, a charity which works with street-connected children.
Its executive director Amos Chibwana, said the spiking number of street-connected children highlights the urgent need for collaborative action to address this “growing issue.”
He stated: “We have children in care institutions such Lilongwe Social Rehabilitation Centre, Mpemba and Chilwa Reformatory Centres.
“These institutions are doing a commendable work of rehabilitating them through therapy sessions. However, their work meets a lot of challenges such as lack of vocational skills training materials, instructors and resettlement packages to support them to use skills gained from the centre so that they should not go back to street or commit crimes,” he said.
Government started supporting vulnerable children in 1965 following the adoption of Cabinet Paper that established the then Ministry of Women and Social Services for the purpose. The renamed ministry supports vulnerable groups, including street-connected children.
This year’s theme highlighted the “power of participation to break the cycle of vulnerability.
