Police in Salima District say they have intensified efforts to reduce the number of street-connected children by collaborating with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders and the Social Welfare Office.
According to Salima Police Public Relations Officer, Sub-Inspector Rebecca Ndiwate, the initiative aims to promote child safety and ensure that every child grows up in a secure environment.
She said the police are mandated to keep street-connected children once they are found, before tracing their parents for counseling and guidance on the importance of child protection.
Ndiwate further disclosed that the police, in partnership with the Social Welfare Office, are conducting community awareness campaigns to reach a wider audience with messages encouraging parents to take responsibility for their children’s well-being.
Commenting on the matter, Senior Chief Maganga urged parents to take advantage of the government’s introduction of free education, which will begin in January 2026.
She noted that financial challenges have been a major factor pushing children out of school and onto the streets to beg or engage in misconduct.
The chief emphasized that with the upcoming free education policy, parents will have no excuse for failing to send their children to school, adding that education remains the key to ending poverty and reducing child vulnerability in communities.
By Alice Kamwanje.
