Save the Children Malawi and Plan International Malawi are set to launch a Joining Forces for Africa: Acting to End Child Labor” (JOFA-ACTE) project on 30th August 2023 at Liwera Primary School, T/A Chimutu in Lilongwe District.

The launch will be presided over by the Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima.

Save the Children Malawi and Plan International Malawi, in partnership with World Vision Germany through the Global Joining Forces Alliance, have secured funds from the European Union for implementation of the JOFA-ACTE project which will be implemented from 2023 to 2205.

According to a joint press statement, which Nthanda Times has seen, the JOFA-ACTE project will among others help in reduction of child labor.

“The overall project goal is to contribute to the reduction of child labor targeting its worst forms in these four countries in line with the Sustainable Development Goals Target 8.7 by 2025.

“In country (Malawi) where an alarming 38% of children aged 5 – 17, are currently engaged in hazardous or exploitative work, this collaborative effort signifies a pivotal milestone in the battle for children’s rights and well-being,” reads part of the statement.

The statement further highlights that the project looks forward at strengthening local and national child protection systems in target districts of Lilongwe and Ntchisi

“The project impact districts are Ntchisi and Lilongwe. The project is set to strengthen local and national child protection systems, while fostering collaboration with children, families, communities, and institutions. By deepening awareness, leveraging on existing institutional capacities to protect children, the project strives to make a lasting and sustainable impact in the targeted impact areas, and most importantly in the lives of children most affected by child labour,” reads part of the statement.

JOFA-ACTE is a multi-county project, which will be implemented in four countries namely: Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mali, over a period of three years (2023-2025).

Six of the world’s leading organizations – ChildFund Alliance, Plan International, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages International, Terre des Hommes International Federation, and World Vision International- focused on the well-being of children have united their efforts since 2017 to form the Joining Forces Alliance (JOFA) which has emerged as a driving force for change, advocating tirelessly for the protection, respect, and fulfillment of children’s rights across the globe.