Hope for Street Children in Malawi

The current food shortage in Malawi is a deep concern, so the visit to the Chisomo Children’s Club (CCC) from Malawi’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare earlier this year could not have come at a better time.

The Honorable Mrs. Patricia Kaliati spent three hours at CCC listening to children and taking part in their classes. She was keen to find out more about Retrak’s Model of Journeying Together, the framework for our activities and a respected benchmark for our good practice looking after street children.

Mrs. Kaliati said: “My ministry needs to learn more of your approach in order to address the push and pull factors; it is very clear that behind child disconnection lies highly vulnerable families and communities, many [who are] struggling to come to terms with economic liberalization and growing inequality. The issues can be addressed through such preventative programs and policies CCC is promoting that strike at its social and economic causes.”

CCC Manager and Retrak’s Country Director, Charles Gwengwe, said: “We are honored to have the minister see our work and we pray the visit will develop our good relations even further. The minister was here at a crucial time for us as the current difficulties in Malawi, especially with food shortages, means we need so much more sustainable support right now.”

Charles added: “Ultimately we hope this visit will benefit our center’s future by securing strategic partnerships that benefit the children at Chisomo Children’s Club throughout 2016.”

It is vitally important that Retrak and CCC work in cooperation with the Malawi government to address the issue of street children, and it's donation's like yours that allow Retrak to continue this work. Charles and the staff at Chisomo Children's Club wanted me to pass on their sincere thanks for your donation to CCC. We would not be able to help these vulnerable children without your support.

Links:

• Retrak America's Website