Child Centred Community Development

Working in the Mzimba district of Malawi, the core aim of this project is to

To contribute to the promotion of child well being by ensuring that children grow up healthy in a safe environment where they can learn and develop their capacities in order to meaningfully participate in community life.

The project is being implemented in three areas, namely: Malidade, Mnyanjagha and Thunduwike in T/A Mpherembe. With 4,178 households, 13 primary schools, 2 community day secondary schools, 3 health posts and 7 government designations within this area there are ample opportunities to improve the lives and livelihoods of children in these communities.

During the baseline survey it was found that there was lack of social amenities in schools and health centres in the community. In terms of staffing, all the 13 primary schools, 2 CDSS and 3 health posts had inadequate staff.

Ultimately, teachers grappled to provide lessons to all classes, but the quality of education was compromised. Similarly, each health post had one medical personnel against a population of 25,000 people on average and as a result care is limited.

Project Outcomes

• Increased representation and participation of children in decision making structures and community life;
• Empowered communities, including children, that are able to claim and defend their human rights through documenting, reporting and referral of cases of abuse and violations;
• Increased levels of development of children through formal and informal means of education;

Increased capacity of households and communities to respond to and address health and nutritional needs of children;