Clients Empowered with Knowledge regarding their rights

The Social Work Department is dedicated to empowering clients and other service users by providing valuable knowledge on human rights and related protection issues. Recently, they conducted an engaging orientation session on child and vulnerable adult protection policy and reporting procedures for 7 service users in the adult psychiatry program. During this interactive activity, clients had the opportunity to understand what constitutes abuse and how to effectively report such cases.

TRAINING ON CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION POLICY

Above: Attendees of the Child and Vulnerable Adult protection policy training.

As an organization St John of God the protection of children and vulnerable adult is one of the things we value as we deliver our services. On March 31st, 2023, the department provided comprehensive training on child and vulnerable adult protection policy to 26 staff members (16 females and 9 males) from the Child Development Centre and Umoza Children’s Project. This training not only ensured compliance with the Child Protection Policy (CPP) but also assessed the staff’s knowledge levels. It was discovered that over 90% of the staff had a good general understanding of child protection, but needed further guidance on case management. As a result, focused training was provided to address this knowledge gap. Similarly, 14 child protection focal persons from Umoza, the Child Development Centre, and the Institute of Vocational Training also received the same training during this period.

Above: The team during the awareness meeting in Masasa

CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

In an effort to raise awareness and promote the rights and protection of children, particularly those with disabilities, the Social Work Department organized a community mobilization campaign. This campaign aimed to emphasize the early detection of disabilities and possible causes of disability in children within the project catchment area. From March 29th to 31st, the department utilized a mobile van to reach out to 10 communities, including Chiputula, Zolozolo, Masasa, Hilltop, Geisha, Mchengautuba, Sonda, Kavibale, Chibavi, and Chibanja.

THE DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH MANEPO TRAINS FOR THE ELDERLY

Collaborating with MANEPO, the department facilitated a training session on the National Older Persons Policy for 10 members of the Older Persons Association on January 24th, 2023. This training focused on empowering older individuals and ensuring their rights are protected. The session included 6 male and 4 female participants, equipping them with valuable knowledge on the policy and its implications.

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS TO BRING ABOUT CHILD PROTECTION

As a way of strengthening collaborative efforts towards child protection both within the organisation and in the surrounding communities, the social work department facilitated a one-day orientation training on child protection and child abuse issues to 40 stakeholders which included community, civic, religious leaders, traditional healers, Victim Support Unit of the Malawi police, one stop center, health workers, teachers, ward councillors and District social welfare. Major issues were discussed which centered on the increased number of cases relating to child abuse, challenges in reporting cases of abuse and also the way forward on roles for each stakeholder to ensure the creation of a safe environment for children’s growth.

Above: Social Welfare representative sharing on the current policies and other key documents on child protection