YONECO joined Chitipa District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) and the Malawi Police Service (MPS) in an exercise that led to the successful withdrawal and reintegration of vulnerable children who were exposed to abuse, exploitation, and other harmful situations in Chitipa district.
The exercise targeted children engaged in child labour, those trapped in early marriages and children living on the streets without adequate care and protection. The exercise aimed to identify children at risk and remove them from environments that threatened their safety and wellbeing.
Following their withdrawal, the children received counselling and psychosocial support to help them recover from the effects of abuse and neglect. Parents and guardians also participated in counselling and guidance sessions that emphasized positive parenting, child rights and responsibilities as well as the importance of providing children with safe and supportive family environments.
The discussions with the children’s parents and guardians further focused on the need to identify alternative livelihood opportunities to help reduce the economic pressures that often contribute to child labour and other forms of child exploitation.
