Child rights organizations have raised concerns over the growing number of street-connected children in the country, with recent statistics revealing a sharp increase from 5,000 in 2015 to 15,000.

Of the 15,000 children, 4,500 live entirely on the streets, while the remainder spend their days begging in urban areas before returning to their families at night.

Speaking to journalists after the International Day for Street-Connected Children, held Tuesday at Kamuzu, event organizing chairperson Amos Chibwana emphasized the need for a coordinated response to address the issue.

He urged both the government and private sector to collaborate and pool resources to support street-connected children.

A representative of the children, Courager Kajenda, a former street-connected child, called for the establishment of rehabilitation centres in all major cities.

He noted that currently only Lilongwe has such a facility, leaving children in Blantyre and Mzuzu underserved.

Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Inock Bonongwe, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ongoing programs aimed at reducing the number of children living on the streets.

First Lady Monica Chakwera, who was the guest of honour at the event, urged all sectors of society to unite in supporting vulnerable children and nurturing their talents for a brighter future.