Grace Jeke is a 53-year-old social worker, who begun working with YONECO under child protection services on 11 November 2008 as a volunteer at Zomba Youth Drop-in Centre (DIC).
‘Amayi’ (mother)’, as Grace is fondly called by the children she supports, further explained that her 14-year-old journey as a social worker mainly focuses on providing care to children who are connected to the streets has been a gratifying period to her as a frontline worker is concerned.
‘Taking care of children who are in or from the streets is mostly about being kind and without compassion, one cannot ably achieve positive results,” explained Grace.
Grace further explained that she finds gratification in her work when children who had totally lost hope growing up to become successful young men after going through various sessions in our centres.
After serving as a volunteer for the organization, Grace was later recruited as a full-time employee for the organization on 12th November, 2018. Later, Grace joined a team of other child protection officers for YONECO in Lilongwe where she was transferred to take up the position of a House Mother (Matron) at Lilongwe Social Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) – a government facility which is being managed in collaboration with Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW).
As Malawi joined the world in commemorating this year’s International Day for Street Children (IDSC) on 12 April, 2022 under the theme: “Cerebrating Frontline Workers”, Grace`s 14-year-old journey as a frontline child protection worker has an immersion worthy being commemorated on this day.
Among others, Grace’s duties and responsibilities include; providing guidance and counselling to children, supporting children with their studies, facilitating recreational activities for children, promoting sanitation and hygiene with the centre’s premises, preparing meals for children at the centre and other child protection-related activities.
All the best Grace ‘amayi’ Jeke as you continue serving vulnerable children.
