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- PLOCLAIM project works to end child labor in Mchinji District with support from community committees, partners
PLOCLAIM project works to end child labor in Mchinji District with support from community committees, partners
When a child is identified as being in labour, the project works with other stakeholders to either send the child back to school or to rehabilitation centres.
Malawi: PLOCLAIM Project in Mchinji district, central Malawi, is working to end child labour by informing communities and stakeholders about the dangers of child labour and the penalties associated with the act, writes Moses Chilumpha.
Project Officer Blessings Mtembo said they deliberately planned a meeting for the communities because farmers have started growing tobacco and it is important to remind each other about child labour before the season begins.
"We thought it wise to urgently remind each other about child labour and the consequences if one is found in the wrong before we start monitoring within the season," Mtembo said.
Project Coordinator Catherine Nyirenda added that the project will be sustainable even after it phases out because the community has established "child labour committees" that have been trained and supported by the project.
When a child is identified as being in labour, the project works with other stakeholders to either send the child back to school or to rehabilitation centres.
Mtembo also noted that the project has had some successes, including 267 children being withdrawn from labour, 189 being enrolled back in school, and 111 remaining in school with the help of unconditional social cash transfers.
However, the project also faces challenges such as a lack of mobility for community child labour committees and resistance from some community leaders.
The PLOCLAIM project is funded by various partners, including child labour and agriculture organizations, tobacco companies, and community members.