By Dalitso Kampira
In an effort to safeguard children in Thyolo's tea-growing regions, the police are fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to tackle the issue of child labour on tea estates.
We would like to ensure children are protected- Chauluka PIC Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo Police Station’s Community Policing Coordinator, Rome Chauluka, explained that the police are working closely with tea estate management and other partners to protect children by holding regular meetings aimed at promoting their safety and welfare.
“We meet with estate officials monthly to discuss child safety and security within the estates and surrounding communities. Through these meetings, we share best practices for enhancing child protection,” Chauluka said.
He added that tea estates have their own child welfare policies that complement government regulations, ensuring children are protected. As a result of this collaboration between the police and tea estates, child labour in the district, particularly in the estates, has significantly decreased.
Darlington Kawawa, Human Resources Officer for Nchima Lujeri Tea Estate, emphasized that the estate strictly adheres to its recruitment policy, which prohibits child labour.
“We do not employ children. The minimum age for fieldwork here is 18, while for factory work, it’s 21 and above,” Kawawa noted.
He further highlighted that the estate supports primary schools and has formed various committees dedicated to the welfare of children. This, according to Kawawa, has led to significant progress in eliminating child labour, with children now remaining in school rather than following their parents to work.
“These children have stopped accompanying their parents to the fields and are staying in school, resulting in zero child labour on our estate,” he said.
Nchima Lujeri Tea Estate continues to partner with Thyolo police and community members to address various issues affecting daily life in the area.
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