By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, May 15, Mana: Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has called on Malawians to protect and strengthen the family unit, describing it as “the heart of our society and the first school of love, values, and resilience.”

She was speaking during a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe to commemorate the International Day of Families.

The minister observed that a nurturing home is a child’s first sanctuary.

“A peaceful home is where a child learns kindness, respect, and courage, it is where they are shaped into the citizens our country needs.

“This year’s theme, “Families and Urbanization,” reflects the urgent need to adapt to modern challenges. As cities expand and life becomes faster, families often face pressures that pull them apart” she said.

Sendeza said government is addressing these challenges through various initiatives including counselling, child protection services and family-based care, among others.

Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Enock Bonongwe, appealed to parents, especially fathers, to play their role.

“Children don’t need perfect parents. They just need both parents to show up since raising a child is a duty of both parents,” he said.

As the world marked the International Day of Families, Malawi’s message was clear: a nation is only as strong as the families that hold it up.