| A Child’s Right to Education |
AYISE’s programmes in this area aim to provide child educational sponsorship which covers all aspects of support to a school-going child. This includes scholastic materials, clothes, fees, and livelihood improvements for their families to ensure the child is not required to drop education in favour of work, and that they receive a meal before and after school. In addition we provide Complementary Basic Education to those who have dropped out of school. |
| A child’s Right to Protection |
Our work in this area includes withdrawing children from labour, and supporting them and their families so they do not need to return to labour. We also address child trafficking and sexual abuse/exploitation. |
| Child Participation |
Our Youth Governance and other projects have addressed the issue of low levels of inclusion of youth in democratic processes. Youth have the right to appropriate levels of inclusion in decisions which affect them, and by providing them with this responsibility they will grow up to become more responsible and understanding citizens. |
| Children in Conflict with the Law |
AYISE and our partners promote treatment in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Constitution of Malawi on treatment of young offenders. We have also trained Community Paralegals who help mediate on child-related issues, particularly those issues of juvenile justice. |
| Child Welfare Support |
AYISE has been grappling with the increasing number of children affected by HIV and AIDS. More and more they require immediate survival needs and educational support. In this area we support orphans and other vulnerable children with direct welfare support. This includes distribution of food supplies to poor families who are the custodians of orphans, provision of educational materials and psycho-social support. |
| Child Emergency Support |
AYISE was engaged by UNICEF Malawi to carry out a detailed assessment of children affected by floods in Chikwawa and Nsanje District early in 2008.
The assessment unveiled the following results:
- the children found in camps of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to floods were prone to sexual abuse and exploitation
- that the right of children to education was temporarily affected and in some cases suspended
- that children lacked basic support in the form of bedding, clothes and food
- that children of 18 years and below were sleeping in mixed sex camp tents and hence the adolescent girls were particularly vulnerable
- exposure to behaviour and practices not in keeping with a child’s age
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