Organisations want to change public perception of street kids

The image of street children is expected to change in the country following efforts by some child care organisations to give the kids normal treatment and support.

This was brought to light during the commemoration for International Day of Street Children on 12 April.

In Blantyre, the event took place at Chisomo Children’s club on Tuesday under the theme “Identity, how children perceive themselves and how the society views them.”

Speaking to Malawi24, centre manager for Chisomo children’s club Auspicious Ndamuwa said the time has come for the people to understand the dignity of these children as they also deserve a normal treatment.

“We are much focussing on communicating to the general public about the dignity of street and vulnerable children,” Ndamuwa said.

Ndamuwa further pleaded with the judiciary to give stiffer punishment to perpetrators who take advantage of the vulnerability of the children.

In his remarks to this publication, Samaritan Trust Program planning officer for social department Brian Ndau said the organisations are working towards changing how society views street children.

He also urged people to stop giving money to kids on the streets.

“I urge Malawians to stop giving alms to these street kids for that instigate them to carry on with the beseeching behaviour,” Ndau explained.  

He added: “We must help them with immutable help, and that’s their future, the child centres are very ready to impart vocational skills to street and vulnerable children bring them to us.”

The child care organisation in partnership with the ministry of gender, children disability and social welfare to end street begging in the country.

During the commemoration, Chisomo Children’s Club and Samaritan Trust paraded in the central business zone streets of Blantyre, communicating to the general public on the importance of respecting street children.