MALAWI: *African Child Day: Makhosi Urges Parents to Prioritise Children’s Wellbeing Over Foreign Greener Pastures*

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

Mzimba South children commemorated the Day of the African Child at Eswazini community ground in Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande, with a resounding call to action from Inkosi Jalavikuba, speaking on behalf of Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mbelwa 5.

Jalavikuba emphasized the dire consequences of parents leaving their children behind in pursuit of work abroad, stressing that raising a child requires parental care, love, support, and education.

It’s worrisome to see parents neglecting, exploiting, and sending their children into marriage,” Jalavikuba noted, highlighting the devastating effects of parental absence on children’s mental and physical health, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems.

Research has shown that children left behind by migrant parents often experience emotional and psychological distress, which can lead to poor academic performance and health outcomes

Madame Bridget Nungu, Director of Education and Sports at M’mbelwa District Council, echoed Jalavikuba’s concerns, citing alarming rates of school dropouts due to early pregnancies and marriages.

“Between January and August, about 300 girls dropped out of school. If we don’t take strict measures, we should expect a high number of schoolgirls to drop out,” Nungu warned.

The event, supported by Save the Children, St John of God Hospitaller, Malawi Red Cross, World Relief, Mzimba Youth Organization, and Perivoli School Trust, aimed to promote quality and inclusive education for all. Zindaba Lungu Sukuluza, project coordinator from Save the Children, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting children in achieving their dreams.

As the Day of the African Child commemorates the 1976 Soweto student uprising, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting children’s rights and ensuring they receive quality education.

By prioritizing their children’s wellbeing, parents can help break the cycle of neglect and exploitation, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.