By George Bulombola

Mzuzu, December 24, Mana: As individuals and organizations tend to be busy preparing parties for them to get together with their loved ones during Christmas and New Year Festive Seasons, Mzuzu Police, Tuesday held a knowledge and information sharing on child protection for young people drawn from various schools within Mzuzu City.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of a day-long session at Zolozolo Secondary School, Officer in Charge for Mzuzu Police Station, Donnie Chionda said that children form the foundation of any society, hence the need for stakeholders to promote child protection and abuse programs.

Besides young people, the event was also attended by teachers, community-based organizations, community leaders and parents from surrounding areas the targeted schools.

“As parents, guardians and community leaders, we share a moral and legal obligation to protect children from harm. This includes protecting them from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other vices that can hinder their growth and development. Children are also major players in this drive,” said

He said that child protection is not just a duty for law enforcement agencies but it calls for a shared responsibility, hence the need for communities, families, and education institutions to work together in creating a safer and healthier environment where children can thrive.

“The role of Malawi Police Services in child protection is to promote the safety and security of children, prevent child abuse, investigate cases of exploitation and bring offenders to justice. Our Victim Support Unit is always ready to assist children and families in distress through the provision of counselling and support services,” he said.

He added that efforts of law enforcers can only succeed through partnerships saying that community members play a crucial role in identifying risks and reporting child abuse cases.

“I, therefore, urge stakeholders to be teaching children about their rights and the importance of speaking up when they feel unsafe, promote positive parenting practices to ensure that homes are safe spaces for children,” added Chionda.

Chairperson for Mzimba North District Child Protection Committee who is also responsible for Mzuzu City, Dr. Nthezemu Kamanga described the engagement as essential in addressing child protection and abuse, elements which he said put children's lives at risk.

“Festive seasons are a prime time to sensitize children so that they avoid engaging themselves in behaviors that would lead to the destruction of their future and lives.

While we are celebrating Christmas and New Year, these learners and students should not engage in immoral behaviours under the pretext of celebrating, otherwise, some may end up being pregnant and in contact with sexually transmitted infections and eventually drop out of school,” said Kamanga.

Deputy Head Teacher responsible for academics at Zolozolo Secondary School, Winnie Nyondo, commended Mzuzu Police Station for holding the child protection and abuse knowledge and information sharing session for stakeholders including learners and students.

Nyondo said the initiative will go a long way in enhancing child protection and abuse hence promoting learners’ and students’ retention in schools for quality education.