NYNCC advocates for data collection on vulnerable children

The Malawi National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) is stressing the urgent need for systematic data collection to address the plight of vulnerable children, particularly those affected by climate change.

Marinna Issat, a programs officer at NYNCC, underscored this imperative during an interview, referencing the alarming statistics unveiled in the ACW report, which reveals that over 3 million children in Africa lack parental care.

Issat emphasized the necessity for immediate action to safeguard and support these vulnerable children while underscoring the crucial role of diverse stakeholders—including religious leaders, governmental bodies, and NGOs specializing in child welfare and climate change—in tackling these challenges.

“An essential priority is the collection of accurate and comprehensive data concerning children without parental care. This entails integrating statistics on these children into existing data frameworks pertaining to education, health, and disaster response,” Issat stated.

Additionally, she underscored the significance of male involvement in caregiving roles within families.

“Many households, particularly those led by single mothers, lack sufficient support. Encouraging fathers to actively participate in childcare can mitigate the burdens faced by women and diminish children’s vulnerability to exploitation and neglect,” she hinted.

As the world marks the International Day of Families, NYNCC’s message reverberates: concerted efforts are indispensable to ensure that every child, irrespective of their circumstances, receives the nurturing and assistance necessary to thrive in an evolving world.

Meanwhile, NYNCC, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as SOS Children’s Villages and Citizen Alliance is organizing a Caravan and pledge signing ceremony on the International Day of Families, slated for May 15, 2024, at the SOS Vocational Training Centre Ground.

The event, themed Families and Climate Change, will feature distinguished leaders from various sectors committing to action in support of vulnerable children and families.