GOVT SETS TWO WEEK WINDOW FOR REMOVAL OF STREET CONNECTED CHILDREN

By Franklin Mtambalika 

Government has once again issued a directive that all street connected children be removed from the country’s towns and cities within two weeks.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati says the streets are not safe for the upbringing of children.

"Government has learnt with great concern about reports that some street connected children are engaged in criminal activities," said Kaliati. 

Asked why a similar directive failed to bear fruits last year, Kaliati said lack of coordination among players proved costly and has since called for change in approach this time around.

She was speaking over the weekend at M’buka Primary School in Lilongwe where One Step Foundation donated over 700 school uniforms to learners at the school as well as to secondary school students.

Taking his turn, Executive Director for One Step Foundation Moses Mwalabu accused police of using excessive force when removing street connected children.

Mwalabu, a former street connected child himself, noted that such treatment is "uncalled for and makes things worse" . 

He therefore called on well-wishers to support his initiative of establishing clubs where children removed from the streets are supported with basic needs.

Mwalabu has also urged the general public to "stop giving hand-outs to street connected children" and instead channel support to the clubs which he has established in some parts of the country in collaboration with government.