As part of efforts to combat child marriages, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated motorcycles and bicycles to support officials working to end the practice in Mulanje District.
Receiving the donation, Mulanje District Commissioner Chriss Nawata, who is also leading efforts against child marriages in the district, said the motorcycles and bicycles would make it easier for community officers and other frontline workers to reach areas where child marriages have been reported.
Nawata said authorities would not hesitate to take action against anyone found forcing or facilitating the marriage of underage children.
He also urged parents to encourage their children to remain in school, saying education is key to protecting children from early marriages. He noted that government is continuing to provide learning infrastructure and materials, including classrooms and desks, to improve the learning environment.
During the handover ceremony, Nawata and Mulanje Police Officer-in-Charge Denis Banda rode the newly donated motorcycles as part of the event.
