By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, September 30, Mana: Stakeholders in Nkhata Bay have given members of Seventh Day Adventist Country Living Church in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Zilakoma an ultimatum until October 10, 2024 to start sending their children to school and allowing them access medical services or else they will face eviction from the area.

TA Zilakoma said much as there is freedom of religion, communities should ensure that child rights are protected at all cost.

He was speaking on Sunday at Chingathole during an interface meeting with community members and members of the church which was organized by Livingstonia Synod Aids Program (LISAP) through Help a Child Project,

He added that infringing children of their right is uncalled for as it would lead to unproductive future generation that will result in limiting development of the area and the country as a whole.

“It is shocking to see the church’s members denying their children access to social services as we agreed during similar engagement meetings.

"We cannot be playing a hide and seek game on child rights to education and access to health services. Our decision is final and come October 10, we will take action if you will not abide to this," warned Zilakoma.

One of the church members, Andrea Chinyama, argued that he teaches his children God's school which recognizes that man was created by God unlike the content of public school curriculum which says man came from a monkey.

On a contrary note, another church member, Everson Kayira said that he has sent back his children to school after understanding the bible well and takes them to hospital when they fall sick, hence calling fellow church followers to follow suit.

District Social Welfare Officer for Nkhata Bay, McSencie Chagomerana said that he was concerned over lack of commitment by some community members in observing child rights, adding that such malpractices do not align with country's Malawi 2063 goals.

Chagomerana however pledged that the council will strive in making sure that children access education and medical services as enshrined in the Constitution of Malawi.

"Section 23 of the Constitution states that parents should be in the forefront in safeguarding children rights in which rights to education and medical services are among them," said Chagomerana.

Executive Director for LISAP, Jonathan Vumu commended local authorities and the council for engaging each other in addressing the problem.

Members of Seventh Day Adventist Country Living Church deny their children from accessing education and medical services basing on their religious beliefs.