FOREWORD
The problem of orphans in Malawi is as old as the nation itself. However, in the past orphan-hood posed no major problems because the traditional family and community social care systems were able to help the few orphans who were at serious risk of deprivation. Now, due to HIV/AIDS the number of orphans has increased rapidly placing great strains on the extended family and the affected communities.
In response to the situation the Government organized a National consultation on the situation of orphans held in 1991, which led to the formation of the National Task Force on Orphans (NTFO) to oversee and coordinate orphan care activities in the country. In July 1992 the Taskforce released Policy Guidelines for the care of orphans and coordination of assistance. The Policy Guidelines have been very instrumental in directing government and community responses in providing care and support to orphans. The fundamental principle of the Policy Guidelines was that orphans should be cared for primarily by their extended family relations, supported by their communities and community based organizations/support groups (CBOs), NGOs, Faith-based organizations (FBOs), government departments and other concerned parties.
In 1990 the Government signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Declaration of Child Survival, Protection and Development, which resulted in the development of a National Programme of Action for Survival, Protection and Development of children with emphasis on children in difficult circumstances. The signing of CRC mandates the government to protect all vulnerable children.
In April 1996, the Malawi Government launched the National Orphan Care Programme (NOCP), which aimed at strengthening the capacities of families and communities to adequately care for orphans and promote programmes of assistance that emphasize community participation and ownership. Community responses and willingness to absorb and care for orphan children have therefore encouraged the Government to formulate the National Policy on Orphans and other vulnerable children (NPOVC).
The key areas covered by the National Policy on Orphans and other Vulnerable Children include Provision of Assistance, Coordination, Institutional and Legal Framework, Transparency and Accountability, Monitoring and Evaluation. Care for orphans and other vulnerable children remain the responsibility of families and communities. This Policy emphasizes community-based approaches because they have proved to be highly sustainable. In this regard institutional care for orphans and other vulnerable children should be the last resort.
In order to promote and enhance effective provision of care and support to orphans and other vulnerable children, the implementation of this policy will be guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights instruments. The government therefore calls upon communities and all stakeholders involved in the provision of care to orphans and other vulnerable children to comply with the requirements of this policy, placing importance on care by the extended family system, community based organisations and active community participation.
Lastly, I wish to appeal for the commitment, support and cooperation of all Malawians towards addressing the orphan crisis. I also urge all government agencies, the donor community, NGOs, religious organizations, civil society and communities to get involved and participate in providing care and support to orphans and other vulnerable children in line with this policy. Your dedication and commitment is vital to ensure that orphans and vulnerable children grow up into useful and productive citizens of the Malawi nation.
Dr. Bakili Muluzi
President of the republic of Malawi
Malawi OVC Policy [193k].