Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, honourableJean Sendeza, MP, has condemned the abuse of orphans and vulnerable children in
some orphanages in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday during her visit to the Home of Hope Orphanage in Mchinji District, Sendeza emphasized that such malpractices are inhumane and
contravene Malawi laws and warned that orphanages involved in such activitieswill face legal consequences.

During the visit, the Minister applauded the Home of Hope Orphanage for supporting children by providing food and accommodation, nursery, primary, secondary education and vocational training which she said aligns with Malawi Vision 2063 focuses on human capital development.

On the challenges faced by the Home of Hope, the Minister assured the institution that her ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Labour to ensure adequate
support at its vocational training centre.

In response to food shortages at the orphanage, she pledged that her ministry, inpartnership with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA),
would intervene.

The founder of Home of Hope, Reverend Thomson John Chipeta, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit. Rev. Chipeta emphasized the need for continued support to
help the children become self-reliant and contribute to Malawi’s development.

Mchinji District Council Chairperson, Dorothy Mussah, lauded the minister’s visit, describing it as motivational for both the institution and the council. The Home of
Hope, which was established in 1998 has over 650 children.

Pauline Kaude.