NICE Trust advocates for a multi-sectoral approach to combating violence against children

Malawi: The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has called for a coordinated multi-sectoral response to violence against children in and out of school, writes Watipaso Mzungu.

Daniel Malango, NICE District Civic Education Officer (DCEO) for Dedza and Lilongwe Rural, stated that violence against children remains a major barrier to education for many children in Malawi.

Malango made the remarks on Monday at Chimamba Full Primary School in Dedza during a child rights sensitization meeting.

NICE and the Malawi Law Commission are working together to combat all forms of violence against children in order to create a safe environment for their education, with financial support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The project's specific goal is to raise awareness among teachers, students, parents, and key stakeholders about specific laws and policies that protect children's rights.

Malango stated that the time had come for teachers, parents, and all other duty-bearers to work together to eradicate all forms of violence that may discourage children from attending school.

"According to the findings of a recent study, many children do not attend school because they are afraid of violence perpetrated against them by teachers, fellow students, and others. Ultimately, this project seeks to create a safe environment for children both inside and outside of school," he explained.

Fatima Kudza, Dedza's Education Quality Assurance Officer, said the project came at an ideal time because the zone was developing mechanisms to improve school enrollment and completion rates.

Kudza stated that her office is committed to providing relevant support to NICE and the Malawi Law Commission to ensure the project's success.

Rute Daniel, a Standard 5 student at Chimamba Full Primary School, described the project as an important tool for equipping them with knowledge about specific laws that protect their rights from violation.