President Lazarus Chakwera has this morning launched the first national Children’s Summit on Climate Justice and launch of National Generation Hope campaign at Bingu International Conventional Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Josephine Tione representing all children cried over the climate change that has been happening in the country Malawi.
Tione said, “There is no better time to speak out on climate change than the present, the effect of climate are felt every day and more these days. We are affected but the children are affected even more, are learning is disturbed with floods, our classes became shelters during the floods and many blocks are destroyed.”
“During the rainy season we feel cold since more children does not have enough warm clothes, our uniforms are not warm either. We learn outside during the situation and this affects our lessons because we do not concentrate due to the weather.” She said
President Chakwera has urged the youth to stay strong for they are the future leaders and has ensured them that he will help in the issue.
Chakwera said, “I will work with our partners to disburse 44.5 billion kwacha through cash transfers to vulnerable homes affected by this events, and make sure to give food to those who does not have.”
“We need to make radicle changes in our way of life as a country and in our relationship with the environment, not only to protect and preserve its asserts for the future but also adding value to it so that it is left for the youth better than we found it.” He said
Minister of natural resource and climate change Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka said he equally grateful to the organizers for organizing the event.
Mkaka said, “As ministry responsible for natural resources and climate change it makes me proud to know that as a nation we acknowledge just how much climate change has affected our society and way of life, the actions that has been taken by government and stakeholders including civil society and other organizations to address the impact of climate change and mitigating measures being put in place to reduce this impact are commendable.”
“My ministry is committed to supporting the youth in climate change management as the evidence by the collaboration that the ministry has with the organizers of this event.” He said
Deputy Country Director for Save the Children Ashebir Debebe said this is the time for all of us to come together and listen to what children have to say on the issue that is affecting millions of Malawians around the world.
Debebe said, “The Children’s Climate Change Summit has brought together over 200 children from different districts in Malawi to meet and share knowledge, experience as well as views of children affected with climate change.”
“The children are today seeking commitment from government and partners to help them with health life and great future.” He said
According to save the children, the recent research came up with an alarming frightenings that are wake up calls for us, it shows that millions of children today face more heat waves, flooding, drought, wild fire and many other things putting children right to health life at great risk.
