The Mchinji District Council says there is a need to
prioritize the care and protection of children in the development of the
country.
The Council’s Acting Director of Community Development and Social Services Emmanuel Gervazio, has said this as the council has organized a Children’s Parliament at the Teacher Training College in the district aimed at giving children an opportunity to speak out and report challenges affecting their lives in their communities, so that relevant authorities can take action.
"This Children’s Parliament will help ensure that
authorities from different communities take part in addressing the challenges
children face in their areas," said Gervazio.
The Parliament will also help ensure that cases involving
violations of children’s rights are reported to the police and relevant
authorities.
"This is the third time we are doing a district
Children's Parliament and this initiative will bring together different
stakeholders who will listen to children’s concerns and take part in improving
their welfare in communities", explained Gervazio.
On her part Girls Empowerment Network, (GENET) Child Rights
Officer Philomena Kampango said the meeting is important for the district as it
will help different stakeholders understand the challenges children face and
identify ways of addressing them.
"During this children's parliament, people should
expect to hear various issues affecting children from different Traditional
Authority areas, as well as learn what the district council is doing to address
such challenges", said Kampango.
The Children’s Parliament is expected to take place from September 3rd to 4th, 2026 and will bring together various stakeholders involved in the protection and promotion of children’s rights.
