CIRCUMSTANTIAL CHILDREN MATTERS, SAYS PS

 

By ANNIE ZULU

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Beatrice Chilufya Darko has assured that Government will ensure that the welfare and protection of circumstantial children is prioritized.

Ms. Darko said Government has put in place a guidance document to help in managing cases for circumstantial children in the Zambia.

The Permanent Secretary said this when a delegation from Mother of Millions Foundation, who are working on improving the welfare of incarcerated women and circumstantial children paid a courtesy call on her.

“Circumstantial children are a unique set of vulnerable children and as such this Ministry has keen interest in their welfare. We have the National Child Policy and these children are covered in that policy under the provision of children in need, we will ensure that this policy is implemented,” Ms Darko said.

And Mother of Millions Foundation Founder and Chief Executive Officer Faith Kalungia expressed gratitude that Government was looking into the welfare of circumstantial children.

Ms Kalungia highlighted some of the challenges that circumstantial children were facing such as lack of access to education and health services among others.

“These children live like prisoners, yet their parents are the ones who are prisoners. They are so vulnerable and it is really a sad sight, they do not have access to some of the basic needs like other children,” she said.