The role of NGOs in promoting socio-economic rights for orphans and vulnerable children : a case study of Chisomo Children’s Club in Blantyre Malawi

Abstract

The high levels of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Malawi (Rena, 2007:1) have led to an increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) (USAID, 2015:1). The government of Malawi commits itself to protect children by implementing the National Policy on Early Childhood Development (Department of Gender, Youth and Community Services, 2003:3). However, child protection is not only the responsibility of government. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have a critical role to play in child protection and in doing so promote the socio-economic rights of OVC (Department of Gender, Youth and Community Services, 2003:19). Social work is a human rights profession (Keeney, Smart, Richards, Harrison, Carrillo & Valentine, 2014:4) and social workers are key role players in child protection and responsible for upholding children’s socio-economic rights. The goal of the study was to explore and describe the role of the NGO, Chisomo Children’s Club (CCC), in promoting socio-economic rights for OVC in Malawi. The study was exploratory and used a qualitative research approach. The research design used was instrumental case study. The sample was purposively selected and comprised of ten social workers from CCC as participants. Data was collected from the social workers through one-to-one interviews. These interviews were guided by a semistructured interview schedule. The findings of the study indicate that participants have an understanding of children’s socio-economic rights. While CCC are centred around promoting children’s rights to education, protection, food and good health, the OVC do not always utilise the shelter that the organisation provides or arranges as they often return to the streets. The services at CCC are in alignment with the principles of the human rights-based approach, namely participation, accountability, non-discrimination and empowerment (Palmqvist, 2011:14). The study concludes that the lack of funding, uncoordinated service delivery among different role players in child protection, and the lack of adequate community involvement in child protection activities have a negative influence on service rendering and consequently on promoting children’s socio-economic rights. The recommendations include the need for CCC to explore more funding options through government, international child protection agencies and embassies. There is a need to establish a forum for stakeholders to join efforts in child protection. Furthermore the community outreach programmes should be increased in order to reduce income poverty of OVC households; and community campaigns to raise awareness on OVC and how to become involved in child protection.