Malawi: Save the Children International Country Director, Bhekimpilo Khanye has urged the government of Malawi to work on protecting the African Child. He urged the authorities to make sure that they take steps to raise awareness and advocate for policies and programs that benefit the African child.
Malawi joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child. The officials have shared that this day is important for the people of the continent to take steps that will help in making sure that children can benefit and remain safe.
Save the Children International Country Director, Khanye made the remarks on Monday in Lilongwe when the country was commemorating the day of the African child. He advocated for the welfare of the children in the country and the whole continent.
According to Khanye, children voices have to be included in implementing government policies and budgets of the governments. This will help in making sure that the needs of the people are catered for.
“We are with you and we hear you,” said khanye. He has asserted that he will be working with the various governments to make sure that the children are adaquately represented in terms of their needs.
Expressing his agreement with Khanye, one of the children’s representatives, Loyce Mwale, said the Day of the African Child serves as a reminder for the people. It sheds light on the importance of protecting and promoting children’s rights to help in making sure they have access quality education and all around development.
“Government should prioritise and invest in children because that is the future of tomorrow,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Gender, Community and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, emphasized, “Your voice is power, never stop using it.” she said that children have the power to influence the decisions of people in power.
The day of the African child originated as a result of the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. During this uprising, thousands of students peacefully protested against the inferior quality of education. They also called for the mandatory use of Africans as the language of instruction.