First Lady Monica Chakwera has called for increased vigilance and collaboration from all sectors to protect children in the ever-evolving digital world. Madam Chakwera made the appeal at Mkwichi Secondary School in Lilongwe during the launch of the Child Online Protection Initiative by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
The First Lady emphasised that duty bearers, including parents and guardians, should ensure that children, particularly those in remote villages, have access to a safe online environment for learning and development. She said that the initiative is aimed at safeguarding children from the dangers of the digital space.
“We must protect, educate, and empower our children to use cyberspace responsibly,” said the First Lady.
“While the digital world offers countless opportunities for learning and growth, it also poses real risks. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our children are not exposed to harmful content and exploitation,” added Madam Chakwera.
She further called on the community to support underprivileged students in villages who are unable to afford education expenses.
Madam Chakwera spoke about the importance of helping needy students, especially in rural areas, and highlighted the role of goodwill in bridging the education gap.
“There are many children in villages who lack the resources to attend school. It is crucial for people of goodwill to come forward and support these children, especially those struggling with fees. Together, we can change their lives,” she said.
In his remarks minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu said the initiative syncs well with the ministry’s objectives of providing quality and safe cyber space.
“The Child Online Protection Initiative aligns well with the mission of the Ministry of Information and digitisation, which is to expand access to internet usage, and the coming in of the expanded access to Internet brings enormous opportunities, especially for our children who are still going to school. However, dangers lurk there too hence this initiative to protect the children,” said Kunkuyu.
On the sidelines of the event, 59 students who were outstanding in the 2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education Examination were awarded various prizes, the highest Owen Jealous from Maranatha Academy walking home with K1 million, a laptop and laptop bag.
According to available data, over 5.86 million people in Malawi have access and use the internet.
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