Over 500 Children Witness the Landmark Launch of ICT-Based Reporting Platforms

The Minister of Gender, Children Disability and Social Welfare, Dr Jean Kalirani presided over the landmark launch of the Online Child Abuse Reporting Portal and Tithandizane Helpline Mobile Application at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe.
The two innovative child protection tools were launched on 17th May, 2018 which is also the Commemoration of the International Child Helpline Day.
The Online Child Abuse Reporting Portal will be locally managed and hosted by YONECO on delegated authority from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) with support from Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). On the other hand, the Helpline Reporting Application is an Android Smartphone Application that was developed by YONECO ICT Solutions.
In her remarks, Honorable Dr. Kalirani stated that the two child abuse reporting tools are in line with the Malawi government’s E-Transaction Act as well as the Child Care, Justice and Protection Act (2010).
“This is a great day in as far as child protection is concerned in Malawi. This is a major step towards ensuring that children are protected from all forms of abuse as well as keeping them safe on the Cyberspace”, said Dr. Kalirani.
The function was opened up by speeches by: the Minister for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Honorable Nicholas Dausi; the Director General for MACRA, as well as the Executive Director for YONECO, MacBain Mkandawire.
Speaking to the press after the function, Hon. Nicholas Dausi stated that; “17 May, 2018 will be forever be remembered for the progress made towards ending child abuse in Malawi”.
In his speech, MacBain Mkandawire stated that the Tithandizane Helpline Application was developed to enhance reporting and engagement on all child abuse related abuse cases. Mkandawire added that about 300 child abuse cases are reported through the Tithandizane toll-free Helpline Service on daily basis.
“As YONECO, we are also very concerned with the number of child abuse cases that go unreported hence we are extending the horizons to ensure that all cases are reported and given the proper attention they deserve. As such, the action that follows consequently deter other would-be-offenders”, explained MacBain Mkandawire.
The child abuse reporting platforms were launched in the presence of over 500 cheerful children from various primary and secondary schools around Masintha Ground. The function was also attended by various community members, representatives from various local and international NGOs.