In response to rising cases of child rights violations in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaduya in Phalombe, YONECO and Malawi Police Service (MPS), organized a series of awareness campaigns in a bid to put in check the vice.
The awareness campaigns were conducted both in school around the area and at community level. At community level, YONECO and MPS facilitated the establishment of a community protection panel in the area of Group Village Head (GVH) Mkhakhe in the district. The panel has been established to lead the formation of village protection committees in the area.
During the session, community members were urged to abandon harmful cultural practices that perpetuate violence against children. The community members and leaders who attended the session were also reminded that engaging in practices that fuel child abuse is against the law and has serious legal consequences.
On their part, local chiefs expressed their gratitude for the awareness sessions and acknowledging that their area has been facing significant challenges such as forced child marriages, child labour among other child rights violations.
On the other hand, the awareness sessions in the surrounding primary schools aimed at ensuring that leaners are aware of their rights, responsibilities and where to report any form of abuse they experience or witness.
In total, the awareness session reached 1, 133 learners (531 boys and 602 girls) and 265 community members.
