Malawi: First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera hosted street-connected children at Kamuzu Palace. The first lady organised a heart-warming event to highlight the youngsters potential. The event which was organized on Tuesday was aimed at encouraging inclusive development efforts.
The First Lady welcomed the children to the event with excitement and pride. She encouraged the youngsters to work hard in school and believe in their abilities.
The event was hosted under the theme: “The Power of Participation.”
She highlighted the importance of education in transforming lives of the children. First lady Chakwera said, “Once a child is educated, they have better odds at life.”
Madam Chakwera also applauded organizations working to support vulnerable children, urging them to continue shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The first lady said that investing in the children of the country is very important for the said country to grow.
She appreciated the work done by the Shaping Our Future Foundation. The organization is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children across the country.
“Every child has something to offer and possesses a unique skill or talent,” she said.
Malawi is home to an estimated 15,000 street children, of which approximately 6,000 are girls.
Despite the challenges, the First Lady hopes that with continued collaboration, positive change is possible for the benefit of the children.
“With all these organisations in place, we are getting somewhere,” she added.
Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Halima Daud, also called on the public and local organisations to take an active role in safeguarding the rights of street-connected children.
“This is not a small feat,” Daud said, commending the First Lady for opening the doors of the State House for such an initiative.
“Street kids are children with a future and deserve to be treated with dignity and love, just like any child in Malawi.”
Event Organising Chair, Amos Chibwana, described the event as the first of its kind. He praised the First Lady’s gesture, stating that it served as a powerful motivation for the children.
He called on well-wishers to support the initiative, adding more needs to be done to address the issue of street children.
The event also included sections of performances, award presentations, and testimonies from former street children who have risen to become notable figures in society.