Children in Salima are calling for better schools, more learning materials, and stronger protection against abuse. Speaking during deliberations at the Salima District Children’s Parliament , young people urged local authorities to act on the challenges affecting their education, safety, and overall wellbeing.
Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Gift Phiri, opened the session by emphasising the forum’s significance.
“This platform helps us express our views. We face many problems, abuses, a lack of school blocks and learning materials and this is an opportunity to tell the duty bearers what we want,” said Phiri, setting the tone for the discussions.
Parenting Education Specialist at Save the Children International, Leah Phiri, explained that the event is part of a wider child-centred social accountability programme.
“Children’s rights should be non-discriminatory. We ensure children, including those with disabilities in rural areas, are involved from planning to monitoring so their recommendations are acted upon,” said Phiri, citing past successes such as the construction of a bridge in Traditional Authority Kambwiri and a girls’ changing room in schools.
Meanwhile, Acting Director for Human Resources and Administration at Salima District Council, Light Burton, welcomed the children’s contributions.
“The voice of children is key for the development of this district. They are future leaders who will achieve the goals of Malawi 2063,” said Burton, noting that 3,000 teaching materials have already been procured for distribution.
During the debates, parliamentarians passed motions on inadequate learning materials, shortages of school infrastructure, child abuse, teenage pregnancies, and climate change, sending a clear message that investing in children’s voices is investing in Malawi’s future.
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