Under the Family Strengthening Project, NGO CCR conducted a series of community engagement sessions on 18th, 19th, and 23rd December across Chikwawa District (Ngabu), Blantyre District (Traditional Authority Kuthembwe), and Lilongwe District (Traditional Authority Chadza).
The engagements aimed to identify and map harmful social norms and practices that place children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing at risk. These interactive sessions brought together Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), government officials, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders, creating a platform for open dialogue, reflection, and collective problem-solving.
Through participatory discussions, communities highlighted several practices that continue to undermine child protection. These included initiation ceremonies that expose children to harm, religious beliefs that discourage seeking medical care for children, bribery of traditional leaders by perpetrators, and child labour. Participants acknowledged how such norms contribute to violations of children’s rights and hinder their healthy growth and development.
These community engagements form part of CCR’s ongoing commitment to strengthening families, promoting child protection, and empowering communities to challenge harmful practices. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the initiative supports communities in creating safer, more nurturing environments where every child is protected and no child grows up alone.
