Children still vulnerable to abuse

Despite the existence of various childcare policies, children continue being subjected to various forms of abuse in their respective homes, a development that forces them to flee such homes.

This was revealed at a training Blantyre Childcare Institutions Network, a grouping of about 43 childcare institutions organised for caregivers in Blantyre on Friday.

The training, which attracted about 27 caregivers, discussed how such abuses impact on service delivery of the caregivers in the absence of policy knowledge about children’s welfare.

The network’s chairperson Godknows Maseko reiterated the importance of knowing and understanding children’s rights and policies; hence, the training.

Said Maseko: “There is a gap on child protection issues. Some caregivers do not know policies that can guide them in their quest to look after children under their care.

“So, this training was one of a kind that has enlightened caregivers on how best they can look after children that are referred to, or come to them after fleeing their homes due to various challenges including abuse.” One of the caregivers, Mtisunge Gulumba from Samaritan Trust said the training was an eyeopener because they have learnt how best to look after children without infringing upon their rights.