Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, says government has intensified efforts to protect the rights and welfare of children in the country.
Kaliati said the government has come up with measures to ensure that children participate actively in social economic activities of the country.
The minister said the government will work hand in hand with other stakeholders to consolidate gains made on children’s welfare.
She has disclosed that the country has over 9000 street-connected children and that it has intensified its efforts to remove them from the streets.
She said over 4000 children have been rehabilitated and integrated into the community and some have been withdrawn from the streets and enrolled in various schools.
The government said the Social Cash Transfer programme now targets 15 percent of the vulnerable population from 10 percent to ensure that the well-being of children is improved.
Kaliati said the ministry is deliberately connecting vulnerable children with vocational training institutions where they are equipped with skills for their survival.
She disclosed that some non-governmental organisations such as World Vision, Plan Malawi and Save the Children are supporting vulnerable children to meet their school requirements.
