By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, October 23, Mana: The National Child Commission (NCC) has called for collaborative efforts in child protection interventions saying a nation that does not invest in children does not have solid foundations for the future.

NCC Chairperson, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, made the remarks Wednesday in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana) after an extraordinary District Executive Committee meeting held to introduce the NCC and its Commissioners to the council and its stakeholders.

He said if efforts in child protection are to bear fruits, there is need for collaboration at all levels.

“This meeting is aimed at bringing awareness to the council about the newly instituted NCC. Also, council coordinates and works with various players, institutions organizations in child protection. And for us to monitor, supervise and coordinate these players up to the grassroot level, we need this council as an entry point.

“We also wanted to appreciate the status and map out how the NCC can work with the council, and enhance coordination and collaboration in child related issues in the district,” he said.

Mwakhwawa highlighted that this effective collaboration can lay good pillars in protecting children and a strong foundation for the future of this country.

He said the meeting also provided a chance for stakeholders to provide what he said was advice to the NCC.

“Some of the takeaway points include that we should not take this as business as usual. But we should adhere to independence and avoid outside influences, be aggressive and innovative, and work in our mandate as people are waiting for a lot from the commission,” he said.

Amongst other things, he said the NCC will enhance monitoring to bring discipline, accountability and transparency in child protection related activities.

Mwakhwawa said the NCC was working towards resource mobilization to work and support institutions and also setting up structures to fully institutionalize the commission.

Chief Administrative Officer for the council, Mathews Mkandawire, said the meeting was fruitful as it adds an extra gear in child protection related activities.

“What all of us here want is to improve the lives of our children, whether in education, health, their rights and other issues. This meeting opens doors to better engagements between the council and its partners, and the NCC.

“Above all, you are also welcome in the district at any time to monitor our activities which we do in regard to protecting, supporting, developing and investing in our children,” he said.