By Asiyatu James, Eye of the Child
There was joy and hope as first group of girls rescued from sexual exploitation environment graduated after six months of intensive rehabilitation and vocational skills training.
The graduation, organized by Eye of the Child and Free a Girl in partnership with Wings of Hope Safe Home, was held in Lilongwe under the message: "These girls are not defined by what happened to them."
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, the Judiciary, Malawi Police Service, faith leaders, and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha said, Government is Committed to Protecting Children
Navicha who was also the Guest of Honour applauded Eye of the Child, Free a Girl, Wings of Hope and Police for giving the girls a second chance.
The Minister added that, government will continue to strengthen safe homes and community protection systems to ensure no child is left in exploitation. She said graduation is only the beginning and called for continued education and family support for the girls.
"As government, we are committed to ensuring every child is protected and given opportunity to achieve their dreams. These girls have shown that with love, care and support, children can rebuild their lives," the Minister said.
In her remarks, Justice Madalitso Chimwaza commended the Malawi Police Service for demonstrating the positive impact of the child protection training provided to them.
Justice Chimwaza reminded the gathering that the law is very clear - sexual exploitation of children in nightclubs is a serious crime punishable by law.
"The Constitution and the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act protect children from all forms of exploitation. The justice system will continue to protect survivors while ensuring offenders are held accountable," said Justice Chimwanza.
She urged police and communities to work together to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Officer-in-Charge of Mponela Police Patricial Njawiri, representing the Malawi Police Service said the Service partnered with Eye of the Child and Free a Girl because protecting children is a core policing mandate.
She described the current situation of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Malawi as worrying, with many girls lured into nightclubs, hence the need for joint operations.
Njawiri also explained that the rescue operation was conducted professionally with social workers and respected the rights and dignity of the children.
"We ensured the operation was child-friendly. No child was treated as an offender. We worked with social workers to provide immediate care and psychosocial support," the OC said.
She then issued a stern warning to nightclub owners and communities:
"Let this be a warning - we will continue to conduct operations. Any nightclub found exploiting children will face the law. Communities must report such cases."
The girls received counselling, spiritual support and vocational skills in tailoring, catering and entrepreneurship and have shown great transformation.
Some of the graduates shared a brief testimonies, not about their past trauma, but about their new skills and dreams for the future.
As part of the graduation support, the graduates received sewing machines and cash start-up packages to help them establish small businesses, apply the skills they have acquired and work towards financial independence. This support is intended to provide them with practical opportunities to earn an income and build more secure futures.
Eye of the Child remains committed to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring that every survivor has the opportunity to rebuild their life and achieve a brighter future.