By Burnett Munthali
Mulanje, Malawi – In a move aimed at enhancing child protection services in Mulanje, UNICEF has donated 51 bicycles to the district council’s social welfare office. The donation is expected to significantly improve the mobility of child protection workers, enabling them to reach remote areas more efficiently and respond faster to cases involving vulnerable children.
UNICEF’s Program Associate, Matilda Mphongo, highlighted the importance of this support during the handover ceremony. She explained that the bicycles would help field workers cover long distances with greater ease, improving their ability to respond quickly to urgent cases related to child protection. Mphongo encouraged the Mulanje District Council to prioritize regular maintenance to ensure the bicycles continue serving their purpose effectively for many years.
“These bicycles are more than just a means of transport; they’re a critical resource in the fight against child exploitation and abuse,” said Mphongo. “We urge the council to maintain them well, so they continue helping workers reach children in need without delay.”
Mulanje District Council’s transport officer, Clever Singano, and social welfare assistant officer, Davie Nyasulu, expressed optimism about the positive impact this donation would have on their work. Both officers noted that the increased mobility would support ongoing efforts to address pressing issues like child trafficking and gender-based violence.
“Child protection cases often require immediate action, and having reliable transportation will help us get to the communities that need us most,” Singano said. “With these bicycles, our team can cover more ground, engage more families, and offer quicker support to vulnerable children.”
Nyasulu added that the bicycles would empower child protection workers to establish stronger ties with local communities and improve their ability to gather information on emerging risks, ultimately reducing incidents of abuse.
UNICEF’s donation comes as a crucial boost for the district’s child protection initiatives, which often face logistical challenges. The organization’s support is expected to enhance Mulanje’s capacity to combat child trafficking and violence, offering much-needed aid to social welfare workers who strive to protect children’s rights and well-being.
As the bicycles hit the ground, Mulanje’s child protection workers and community structures are set to benefit from enhanced accessibility, which promises to bring vital services to the most isolated and vulnerable children in the district.
