Eye of the Child in collaboration with Wings of Hope has today graduated 18 young girls from vocational training at DMI Wings of Hope Shelter.
The girls, aged between 13 and 18, are survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking who have been at the shelter for six months.
The girls were trained in different skills including tailoring, baking and soap making to equip them to start afresh and become self-reliant after leaving the shelter.
As part of the support, they have been given 16 sewing machines as a starter pack to continue their tailoring work, and they will also be given some funds to start small businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony,Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha recognized the achievement of young women who have endured difficult moments but have reached this milestone.
She said government remains committed to protecting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and bringing them to justice.
Navicha commended social welfare officers and partners for providing care and support, saying government cannot do the work alone.
“Your graduation has shown that with proper support, survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking can make it. There is need to move around to see what our girls are facing in different areas in this country,” she explained.
High Court Judge Justice Madalitso Chimwaza said they have been training police officers for a year on search and rescue of vulnerable young girls who are exploited by financially stable people, so that cases can be properly submitted to law enforcers without threats.
“The girls are courageous. What happened to them does not define them, but it gives them courage. It is our responsibility to give them hope, to encourage our young girls. If we need to see change, there is need to make change and join hands in search and rescue approach,” she explained.
Wings of Hope Representative Sister Catherine Devadass said they are grateful that the work they started has beared fruits as seen today, adding that it has never been a smooth journey but with God and determination they have managed to care for the girls and change their behavior in collaboration with Eye of the Child.
The training also targeted officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Records, Operations, Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors and other police officers from different departments in the Malawi Police Service, who were also recognized with awards for their role in protecting children.
