By Lawrence Chilomo

Chikwawa, August 26, Mana: Chikwawa District Council held Day of the African Child 2023 with a call for parents, guardians and influential local leaders to protect children from digital induced abusers and all forms of abuse and violence.

Speaking during the commemoration at Phingo Primary School  Traditional Authority Maseya in district,  Council Chairperson, Wyson Bush said  he was concerned that some parents were irresponsible over their children well-being.

Chikwawa district commemorated the Day of the African Child under the theme ‘The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment’.

Bush observed that some parents fail to protect their children from social media induced abuse that impact on their education and well-being due to lack of parental guidance and care.

“Parents should not be held responsible for violation of rights of children because children’s success in future depends on their rights being respected and well protected,” said Bush.

He further appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children to work hard and remain in school.

“We have role models from various sectors to inspire children, These role models were once children and they worked hard to be where they are now. This means it is possible to be whatever you want to be in life,” added Bush.

District Social Welfare Officer Aaron Macheka said the event was important because it raised community awareness about children’s rights and  also helped children to realise their rights and responsibilities.

“Our office will ensure that children are safe from any kind of abuse and will ensure that all that violates children’s rights are arrested,” said Macheka.

He also observed that children are exposed to technology, adding that parents should be responsible for children safety from bad contents on the internet that can negatively influence bad behaviour.

Principal Education Officer, Chipiliro Mataka Zainga announced during the event that selected schools in Chikwawa will receive tablets for learning.

“For now the tablets will be distributed to a few schools and later the initiative will be extended to other schools,” said Zainga.

A learner at Kalima Primary School, Alina Mpingasa said the technology will help leaners to excel academically as learning through tablets will help them to advance in education.

The international Day of African Child commemorations in Chikwawa were spiced up by poems, drama and dances among other things. Mana /lc/lm/ewc/scm