In a bid to strengthen child participation and amplify young voices, Malawi has launched the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) which is the country’s first child-led national platform designed, owned and spearheaded by children themselves.
The historic launch took place on Friday in Mponela, drawing government officials, development partners and children’s representatives from across the country.
Dr. Nertha Semphere Mgala, Principal Secretary for Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, said the initiative represents a groundbreaking shift in how Malawi addresses children’s issues.
“The NCA is not just another initiative. It is a bold step towards strengthening child participation, amplifying children’s voices and ensuring they take the lead in shaping issues that concern them,”she said.
She added that the NCA is built on four core pillars; advocacy and policy influence, child-led monitoring and research, public awareness and education and genuine child participation aimed at empowering children to engage in decision-making processes while creating safe and inclusive spaces for leadership.
The Alliance also brings together existing child-centered platforms such as children’s parliaments, learners’ councils, climate clubs and children’s corners, combining them into one united and powerful voice for children in Malawi.
Save the Children’s Country Director, Bhekimpilo Khanye, described the launch as transformative.
“This is a turning point and the rise of a new force in Malawi, a generation of young advocates who will not just knock on doors, but build their own,” Khanye said.
Hateem Hassan, 15, who was elected the first Chairperson of the NCA, said the launch marked the beginning of a new era.
“This Alliance is our platform to lead, to speak, and to act. We are ready to work with government and partners, but also to hold them accountable to the promises made to children,” said Hassan.
The launch of the NCA is being celebrated as a milestone that will ensure that children are no longer passive recipients of decisions but active leaders shaping Malawi’s development agenda.
