Officials
in Nkhotakota District have agreed to work together to ensure that Jando camps
are closed before schools reopen, giving children enough time to prepare for
the new school term.
The
agreement was reached during a meeting organised by Umunthu Plus at the
Nkhotakota District Council, which brought together traditional leaders and
government officials to discuss cultural practices that may contribute to
harmful behaviours in communities.
Vice Chairperson for Malengachanzi Area Development Committee (ADC), Mary Makwenda,
said the meeting is expected to yield positive results in curbing malpractices
associated with cultural practices such as Jando and Michezo.
“We
believe this meeting will yield good results because it has brought together
different stakeholders who can help address some of the malpractices associated
with cultural practices,”said Makwenda
Makwenda
says the council already has by-laws governing such activities, but some of the
laws are outdated and need to be reviewed.
"We
have by-laws that govern these activities, but some of them are outdated. We
therefore intend to review them so that they can effectively address the
challenges we are experiencing,”she said
Meanwhile,
Principal Gender Officer Alick Munthali has stressed the importance of
collaboration among stakeholders in addressing malpractices associated with
cultural practices.
"Collaboration
is paramount if we are to mitigate these malpractices. Every stakeholder has a
role to play, including traditional leaders, parents and government
authorities,”said Munthali.
He
has also called on parents to take a leading role in protecting their children.
"Parents
must take responsibility for safeguarding their children and ensuring that
cultural activities do not interfere with their education or put them at
risk,”Munthali said
Munthali
says celebrating Jando and other cultural practices is not prohibited, but
communities must ensure that such activities are conducted responsibly.
"We
are not against Jando or other cultural practices. What is important is to
ensure that these practices are conducted responsibly and in a way that
protects children,” he said.
He
has further called on traditional leaders to establish and enforce community
by-laws to regulate activities that may promote harmful behaviours during Jando
and other cultural ceremonies.
Umunthu
Plus Gender Officer Andrew Chikasamba says the meeting was aimed at raising
awareness and finding solutions to cultural practices that may contribute to
harmful behaviours in communities.
"Our
aim is to raise awareness and work with communities to find practical solutions
while respecting cultural values,” Chikasamba.
Chikasamba
says there is an opportunity to work with cultural custodians to preserve the
value of Jando while promoting child protection and public safety.
“Jando
remains an important cultural institution, and we believe we can work with
cultural custodians to preserve its values while ensuring the protection and
safety of children,”he said
Umunthu
Plus is implementing a project dubbed community Action for Gender Empowerment,
with financial support from the Tilitonse Foundation.
