By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, June 24, Mana: Malawi Girls Guides Association (MAGGA) has emphasized that the need for authorities in Balaka District to collaborate with other partners to stop gender-based violence (GBV) and child labour in an effort to create conducive learning environment for children both at school and home.

MAGGA Project Officer for Balaka District, Patrick Nyerere said children in rural areas face various forms of GBV such as child labour due to limited knowledge on child rights among the care givers and other child care service providers.

Nyerere made the remarks on Monday when presenting progress of Tikwaniritse ndi Kuteteza Ma Ufulu a Ana (TiKuMA) Project to Balaka District Council officials, saying MAGGA primarily focuses on two key areas namely; child protection and child rights governance.

“The project is meant to ensure that 47 primary schools in four education zones of Chembera, Mpilisi, Ulongwe and Namalomba learn in an environment free from all forms of disruption. We target boys, girls and other children with disabilities in standards three to four,” he added.

Nyerere said the project is being implemented in education zones under Traditional Authorities Kalembo, Mbera, Kachenga, Sawali, Makwinja and Amidu.

“Children have been equipped to protect themselves from child marriages and teenage pregnancies including other forms of violence so that they can make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

“Additionally, families and communities have started to promote positive norms, foster positive relationships and build protective environments for their children,” he added.

However, he urged all relevant sectors such as the education, social welfare, the judiciary and the police to work collectively, saying mobile courts system will be there to ensure child justice in cases when children have been victimised in any form.

Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) District Manager for Balaka, Ketson Mulebe hailed the project, noting that the project was in tune with YONECO’s objectives on child protection.

Balaka District Social Welfare Officer, Stanley Chisi, also commended child rights activists and other partners in the district for protecting children against violence and other forms of injustice.

Chisi also urged the stakeholders to take advantage of MAGGA’s project's resources, saying government and its partners invest a lot of resources to safeguard children’s lives in schools and in their communities.

With financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD), MAGGA is among the partners supporting Save the Children in implementing TiKuMA Project in Balaka running for four years from 2024 to 2028.