Young Change Makers Demand Immediate Action to Address Children's Issues in Malawi

LILONGWE, Malawi - A group of young change-makers, comprising the country's children parliamentarians, has called upon the government to take urgent measures to alleviate the problems that are adversely affecting children across the nation, writes Moses Nyirenda.

The plea was made during a recent press briefing organized by World Vision Malawi.

Gomezgani Nyasulu, the Speaker of the Malawi National Children's Parliament, highlighted the need for the government to prioritize addressing the challenges faced by children in the education sector.

Nyasulu stated, "In the education sector, we are facing a plethora of issues. One example is the deplorable state of infrastructure. In many areas, classroom blocks are in dire condition, and some schools lack sufficient classrooms. These factors have a detrimental impact on children's education."

"Another issue pertains to teachers' housing. Many educators have to walk long distances to reach the schools due to the absence of housing facilities. This results in fatigue, and during the rainy season, they even miss classes because they are unable to reach the school premises. This situation not only hampers children's education in Malawi but also lowers the overall standards of education."

Nyasulu emphasized the urgency for the government to bring about change in the education sector.

"While we understand that the government cannot accomplish everything at once, it is crucial that some tangible efforts are made to demonstrate that it has taken action for the betterment of children's education in Malawi," she urged.

Furthermore, Nyasulu emphasized the importance of promoting good health in areas affected by Cyclone Freddy.

She expressed concern that children in these regions are susceptible to various diseases, including waterborne illnesses, which adversely impact their education when they fall ill.

Addressing the issue of child marriages and forced marriages, Nyasulu called on the government to collaborate with traditional chiefs to combat these practices.

She highlighted the rising cases of early and forced marriages in the country, which contribute to a high dropout rate among school-going children.

Nyasulu also stressed the need to empower chiefs in lakeshore areas to promote education among children in their communities.

She pointed out that many children in these regions do not attend school as they spend most of their time fishing in the lake.

Responding to the children's demands, Charles Gwengwe, the Director of Advocacy, Communication, and Justice for Children at World Vision, expressed the organization's commitment to promoting children's rights and amplifying their voices.

"Through our campaign to end violence against children, we have encountered remarkable young changemakers. We stand beside them to celebrate their achievements and provide them with platforms to engage with policymakers, advocating for the rights of children," stated Gwengwe.

The children's parliamentarians' plea for immediate action from the government showcases their determination to create a better future for the children of Malawi.

As the nation's youth continue to advocate for their rights, it is hoped that their voices will be heard, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of children across the country.