Chiefs caution parents against sending children to work in Tanzania

By Michael Ng'ambi

Traditional authority Lwangwa of misuku has cautioned parents against the tendency of sending their children to work as Labourers in Tanzania saying such practices are against the laws of Malawi.

Some children taking a solidarity march during Day of African Child PIC Michael Ng'ambi

The caution came during the Day of Child African Child conducted on Friday at Misuku in Chitipa District..

He said most parents in Misuku have resorted sending their children to work as Labourers in Tanzania thereby leading to increased cases of dropout in the district.

“I am not happy with some parents sending their children to work as Labourers in Tanzania thereby contributing to high cases of school dropout. This is against the laws of Malawi and I will not protect parents involved in such malpractice," said Lwangwa.

The Traditional Leader further pleaded with other stakeholders and Non-Governmental Organizations to support him in eliminating such malpractice as well as forced marriages.

The Guest at the function, a recent standard 8 learner waiting for his Exams, Willy Silumbu asked parents to be in forefront in reporting cases of abuse and child labour.

Provide us a conducive environment to learn - Silumbu PIC Michael Ng'ambi

"I want our parents to be reporting any challenges we face in our everyday life and this will help to alleviate some of the problems that we face as children.

"We ask stakeholders to take an active role to support our school necessities such as books , and uniforms but also provide us a conducive learning environment to ensure we realize our dreams,” said Silumbu.

The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Joyce Luhana said her office has so far rescued 17 girls and 3 boys from child marriage in the area of Senior Chief Kameme in the district.