For years, 40-year-old Matalia Mzemba of M’memo Village under Senior Chief Makwangala in Ntcheu District struggled to raise her children after her divorce from her husband about a decade ago.
Parenting alone proved difficult as her children became increasingly disobedient, ignored her advice and eventually dropped out of school to engage in piecework.
The situation, she said, caused serious strain within the family.
Mzemba’s experience reflects the challenges faced by many parents—both single and married—who struggle to raise children in a stable and nurturing environment.
However, her situation changed following the introduction of the Safe Families Programme, implemented by Save the Children.
Through the programme, Mzemba says she acquired essential parenting skills that transformed relationships within her household.
“We have been equipped with the necessary knowledge on how to nurture our children and live together as a family. Now we are living a happy life,” she said.
She added that all her three children, who had previously dropped out of school, have since returned to class as a result of the intervention.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 160 programme beneficiaries, Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Oliver Kumbambe, described the milestone as commendable.
“A family is the foundation of any nation and a key pillar for national development,” said Kumbambe.
He stressed the importance of equipping parents and community stakeholders with skills to raise children responsibly while ensuring that children’s rights are upheld.
“Children must grow in an environment where they are loved and protected. This helps to reduce the number of street-connected children,” he said.Kumbambe further observed that family breakdowns often lead to social imbalances that contribute to injustice within communities.
In his remarks, iNkosi ya Makosi Gomani V emphasized the need for families to live free from violence, warning that children raised in households affected by gender-based violence (GBV) are more likely to normalize or perpetuate abuse later in life.
“It is paramount that families grow together in unity, purpose and love,” he said.
Meanwhile, Save the Children Acting Country Director, Dr. Chakufwa Munthali, said the programme has empowered children to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives and to engage their parents when facing various forms of GBV.
The Safe Families Programme is being implemented by Save the Children in partnership with Youth for Development and productivity (YODEP) and the Malawi Government with financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
