By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, June 14, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare says the Day of African Child (DAC) will help to foster the protection of children`s rights by renewing commitment on putting children at the heart of Africa and Malawi’s development agenda, through meaningful participation, inclusive planning, and equitable budgeting.
This remarks were made on Friday by Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Jean Muoonaouza Sendeza, during a press briefing on the 2025 continental commemoration of the Day of the African Child, held at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.
The day`s celebration will take place on Monday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) and will be graced by the Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi and other dignitaries from African Countries.
“This day embraces different initiatives on how children can be protected and how they should be given every right especially on education, health, and social protection” she said.
The minister observed that that even with encouraging trends, many children still lack access to essential services, limiting their ability to survive, develop, and thrive.
She however commended government for its continued efforts, and increased investment in child-centred development of which there is need to double both resources and efforts across all sectors and levels to align with Malawi 2063 agenda.
“At least construction of 10, 900 school blocks is in progress nationwide to provide a conducive learning environment for these children. We are also adding health centres to provide and sustain the children`s health care for their well-being which is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone for achieving the Malawi we want by 2063”, the minister said.
In his remarks, National Coordinator for National Youth Network and Climate Change, Dominick Nyasulu said the Day of the African Child is vital in protecting the rights of children highlighting how climate change is affecting the advancement and promotion of children`s rights.
The Day of African Child was established by the assembly of heads of state of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1991 in honour of the heroic students of the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa who gave their lives demanding quality and relevant education in their language under the apartheid regime.
The 2025 DAC commemoration is expected to draw over 2,000 participants, including child representatives from across Africa, civil society organizations, government leaders, development partners, and regional bodies who will participate both physically and virtually.
This year’s theme, ‘Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights (Progress Since 2010),’ invites African Union Member States to reflect on the strides made in integrating children's rights into national development plans and budget frameworks, emphasizing the urgent need for a child rights-based approach to planning and budgeting.
