Child Protection

Had he not been converted, James* fears what could have been for his family, especially his two daughters Jessie* and Jean*.

James is a farmer and businessman from Pangani Village in the district of Phalombe in southern Malawi.

Fifty thousand kwacha was enough money to convince James Josiah* to receive as collateral to send his 17-year-old daughter Triza* into marriage.

Although it was against her wishes, Triza, a Standard 8 leaner at Chindowole Primary School in Chikwawa district, had no choice but to concede to her parent’s wishes.

In most parts of Chikwawa, sending young girls into marriage is common. This is exacerbated by poverty, cultural practices and religious beliefs.

14-year-old Bridget* is first born in a family of five. She comes from Nkhatabay District, Northern Malawi. Bridget and her siblings leave with their grandmother.
Parents divorced, remarried and left the children in the care of their maternal grandmother.

Before Covid-19 stuck, Bridget was a dedicated grade five learner at Makumbo Primary School.