YONECO, on June 12 this year joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day against Child Labour at a function that was held in Kasungu – one of the top 6 tobacco growing districts in Malawi where child labour is also prevalent.
YONECO is in the consortium of four organizations that are implementing a Child Labour Elimination for Real Change (CLEAR) project which aims at reducing child labour through various activities in the three districts of Dowa, Mchinji and Rumphi.
YONECO’s CLEAR Project Coordinator, Precious Mkukumira, said through various interventions, a lot has been achieved in combating child labour. He cited that communities have been sensitized on the dangers of the malpractice, a development that has seen child labour cases being reported
“A number of children have been withdrawn from child labour and young workers are now protected from various occupational hazards”, explained Mkukumira.
The day was commemorated under the theme; “Generation; Safety and Health” which underscores the need to improve the safety and health of young workers and end child labour.
Speaking on behalf of the Malawi Government, the secretary for Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, Joseph Mwandidya said the day should be taken as an opportunity to reinforce efforts to successfully fight against child labour.
“Government has put in place interventions that will see the country overcoming the challenge before 2025”, he said.
Various NGO’s, government departments and other stakeholders mounted pavilions to showcase their interventions that are aimed at eliminating child labour in Malawi.
The event was spiced up by drama performances by children and children performed drama and traditional dances.
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