By Mirriam Bwanali

Blantyre, April 16, Mana: To address the increasing number of street-connected children, the Blantyre City Council (BCC) and the Concerned Youth Organization (CYO) held a stakeholders’ engagement on Tuesday to discuss potential initiatives.

Speaking during the event, Vice Board Chairperson for CYO, Dr. Estiner Katengeza said the project aims to come up with interventions to address the plight of street connected children and build a responsive, inclusive and child friendly city.

“We are in the process of developing strategies that will work in addressing the issues surrounding the presence of street children," she said.

Mayor for BCC, Joseph Makwinja said some people fail to visit Blantyre City because of street connected children.

"Everywhere in Blantyre City you will find street connected children. Some sleep under the bridges due to lack of shelter and struggle every day to survive. It is our duty as leaders to help those children fulfil their dreams," he said.

Makwinja said not all street connected children are criminals as some come in the streets just to find basic needs.

A former street connected child, Innocent Tengeza, who is also the Director of Hope for Children Trust said in order to end the presence of street connected children, BCC needs to find people who have a good relationship with the children so that they can guide them and change their mentality.

"Giving money to street connected children is what encourages them to continue living in the streets.

“Instead of giving them money, we can just provide them with what they are lacking and you will see that their numbers will reduce,” Tengeza said.

The meeting was attended by councilors, lecturers, Non-governmental Organizations, street connected children, police and representatives from various commercial banks.