Save the Children hands over K6m child centre in Chiradzulu

Save the Children International on Wednesday handed over a K6 million (US$14 286) block to Chotokwa Community Based Child Care and Children’s Corner (CBCC &CC) in Chiradzulu.

Speaking when he handed over the facility to communities of Chotokwa, Mwasimu and Chitanda villages in Traditional Authority (T/A) Ntchema in the district, Save the Children International senior programme manager for education Lexon Ndalama said his organisation supports 600 CBCCs across Malawi because it values children’s rights.

He said provision of decent learning environment to children is essential in preparing them to grow emotionally and psychologically.

Ndalama appealed to the communities to initiate more development projects to merit assistance from other well-wishers.

“As we hand over this facility it is our hope that the community will take good care of it. But more importantly, the responsibility rests with government to ensure that it is sustained,” he said.

Chiradzulu district commissioner Charles Mwawembe said the advancement of ECDs in the district is helping reduce illiteracy levels as most children go for formal education well prepared.

“As a district council we have come up with plans to ensure that ECD [early childhood education] is promoted and literacy level is significantly raised,” he said.

He urged the community members to own the facility and maintain it regularly.

The CCBC has 86 children aged below five.