Government officer calls for formation of Community child labour societies

Government officer calls for formation of Community child labour societies

Lundazi, MAY 13, , ZANIS —— The District Social Welfare office in Lundazi has called for the formation of civil societies to train civil societies in formation of Community Child Labour and how to mainstream child labour into existing government programmes.

Lundazi District Social Welfare Officer Lackson Manda said there is need to address the major causes of child labour which he said was high among the poor.

Mr Manda said his department and District Child Labour Committee will soon conduct baseline survey in Lundazi to come up with data and know exactly the number of children under the age of 18 involved in Child Labour activities.

He identified high poverty levels, lack of education, lack of social protection, effects of HIV and AIDS as some causes of Child Labour in the district.

Mr Manda also identified demands for child labour and traditional customs and attitudes as causes of Child Labour in Lundazi district.

Mr Manda disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ZANIS following a two days meeting where all stakeholders involved in child protection attended.

Mr Manda however, has commended Non Governmental Organizations for complementing government efforts in its quest to fight Child abuse in Lundazi, said Child Labour has adverse consequences to the development not only in Lundazi but Zambia as a whole.

And Mr Manda has since warned Child Labour perpetuators to immediate stop the vice because the practice is punishable by the law of Zambia.