Ministry Official Urges Parents to Consider Having a Smaller Number of Children

Lilongwe, Malawi - The Deputy Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Enock Bonongwe, has advised parents in the country to consider the number of children they have carefully, writes Moses Nyirenda. 

During a town hall meeting in Nathenje on Monday, held to mark the International Day of Families (IDF), Bonongwe stressed the importance of having a smaller number of children for easier parental support.

Bonongwe stated, "There is a need for parents to have families with a sizable number of children because every child has his or her own special needs. The younger ones may need different things compared to the older ones. Therefore, it is good for parents to have a smaller number of children if they want to support them easily."

Highlighting the benefits, Bonongwe explained that having a smaller number of children would contribute to stronger family units.

He emphasized that families with more children often face difficulties and potential breakups due to the limited resources required to raise them.

"As a government, we are implementing programs such as social cash transfers and public works to strengthen underprivileged families in the country, transforming their socio-economic standards," Bonongwe added, underscoring the commitment of the Ministry of Gender to assisting and supporting families.

The Joining Forces Alliance, consisting of prominent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like Plan International, Save the Children, World Vision, and SOS Children's Village Malawi, received a commendation from Bonongwe for their dedication to strengthening families.

Hope Msosa, a representative of the Joining Forces Alliance and Deputy National Director of SOS Children's Village Malawi, expressed their role in lobbying the government for continued support for families.

"Our task as Joining Forces is to ensure that the government continues its efforts to uplift vulnerable families. Currently, the government is doing very well in ensuring that families in the country have enough resources to support their children," said Msosa.

In addition to government support, NGOs are developing initiatives to provide families, especially the vulnerable ones, with the necessary resources to support their children effectively.

However, Msosa also emphasized the importance of parents having fewer children, stating, "The high number of children in families is negatively impacting many households in the country."

The advice from the Ministry of Gender, accompanied by an endorsement from NGOs like the Joining Forces Alliance, highlights the significance of responsible family planning.

Parents are encouraged to consider the resources and care required to raise their children effectively, ensuring the well-being of both the families and the children themselves.