Project Coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, under the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA), Sister Marie Sakina has expressed concern over the lack of support from stakeholders in sustaining care for street-connected children after reintegration.
Sister Sakina made the remarks during an open day event held at St. Maria Goretti Girls Catholic Secondary School in Lilongwe, the event that was aimed to highlight the challenges faced by the center and explore collaborative solutions with other stakeholders to improve care for vulnerable children.
Sr Marie Sakina, the Project Coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, under the MSOLA
She noted that economic hardship in many families continues to drive children onto the streets.
“When children are reintegrated into their families, if there is nothing to eat, they are likely to return to the streets. The absence of support services from other stakeholders is a serious challenge,” she said.
Despite these difficulties, Sister Sakina also shared success stories from the center, including improvements in education and behavioral transformation among the children.
Lilongwe Principal Social Welfare Officer, Derrick Mwenda echoed his concerns, describing the rising number of street-connected children in the city as worrisome.
Derrick Mwenda, Lilongwe Principal Social Welfare Officer
He emphasized that the district has developed various strategies to ensure the sustainability of the reintegration process.
For the past 27 years, Tikondane Care for Children, operating under the MSOLA Sisters in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. has provided shelter, formation, and pathways to reintegration for street-connected children across the city.
Dedza Linthipe 1 Multi Skills Group has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Congregation of Teresian Sisters for their significant contribution to community development through various educational and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking on Sunday after a training workshop organized by the sisters in Lilongwe, group leader, Bezayi Fredrick commended the Teresian Sisters for equipping participants with practical skills aimed at fostering economic self-reliance.
Sister Teresa Mulenga with Dedza Linthipe 1 Multi Skills Group after the training
The workshop focused on hands-on training in soap making, body lotion production, and other income-generating activities.
Fredrick shared his enthusiasm, stating that the newly acquired skills would greatly benefit their youth group and help them become economically independent.
“Through this training, we’ve learned how to make laundry soap, body lotion, and other useful products. I’m confident that these skills will improve the lives of young people in our area,” Fredrick said.
Sister Teleza Mulenga, the project coordinator, explained that the initiative was designed to uplift communities and address poverty-related challenges, including gender-based violence.
Sr Mulenga (middle) with fellow trainers
“As a congregation, we aim to empower people at all levels, including members of other religious institutions. Our mission is to liberate individuals from all forms of slavery, and we serve every human being without discrimination,” Sister Mulenga emphasized.
Among the participants was Precious Mangumba, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Dedza, who expressed his appreciation for the opportunity.
“I am grateful for the training. I plan to share these skills with fellow church members so that they, too, can start small businesses and become empowered,” Mangumba said.
Participants appreciating what they have produced during the training
Trainer Louisa Kachingwe expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s outcome and voiced optimism that participants would begin applying the skills independently.
Louisa Kachingwe having a session with the participants on how to make body lotion
The training brought together 20 participants from across the Central Region, including youth, women, and men. They were trained in making laundry and dishwashing soap, body lotion, fertilizer from urine, and basic business management.
Packing the products that have been produced during the training. Dishwash soap and body lotion
The Catholic Church in Malawi has held its inaugural National Children’s Congress at Don Bosco Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, signaling a renewed commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Spanning four days, the historic gathering focused on empowerment, education, and spiritual growth for children from across the country.
Children received guidance and teachings on a wide range of topics, such as Catholic social teaching, mental health, child trafficking and labor, environmental stewardship, and the Malawi 2063 Vision, delivered by bishops and animators from various dioceses.
During the closing Mass celebration, children voiced their concerns to the bishops, requesting support for challenges such as access to quality education and better care across parishes.
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment, for the life of the child.
“As Bishops, we are concerned about your challenges. We promise to do everything possible to resolve them, especially issues around education and how you are treated in various parishes.”
Bishop Mtumbuka also called for coordinated stakeholder efforts, led by Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe who is also PMS President in Malawi, to ensure the Children’s Congress continues.
MCCB president bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga diocese
He also then thanked Pope’s delegate PMS General Secretary from Vatican Sister Ines Paulo for participating the Congress, saying it sends a good message on how the Pope’s love the church in Malawi, especially the mission on the children.
His Lordship also encouraged parish priests to allow children to lead their own Eucharistic Mass as a way of building liturgical leadership in them.
The Congress received international recognition, with Sister Ines Paulo, Pope’s delegate and PMS General Secretary from the Vatican, applauding the event’s success. She expressed gratitude to Malawi’s bishops, clergy, and lay Catholics for their dedication, encouraging the children to remain active in ministry.
“Continue serving the Church, you are the light of the world and of the Church.”
Pope’s delegate PMS General Secretary from Vatican, Sister Ines Paulo, addressing children
Sister Ines also pledged support through her office to help children overcome challenges they face in their communities in the country.
Father Ephraim Madeya, National PMS Director, echoed her sentiments and urged priests, religious sisters, and parents to actively support children’s ministry, ensuring lessons from the Congress yield lasting impact.
National Pontifical Mission Societies Director, Father Ephraim Madeya
Tina Kandodo who was the organizing chairperson for the National Children’s Congress , celebrated the children’s enthusiasm and willingness to engage deeply with both church and social life.
Organizing chairperson for National Children’s Congress, Tina Kandodo
Representing her fellow participants, Rachel Khalera of Bangwe Parish in the Archdiocese of Blantyre shared her excitement.
“We have had a great Congress and learned many things that will positively affect our lives, spiritually and physically. We have made resolutions and presented them to our Bishops, and we hope they will help solve our challenges.”
Children representatives reading the resolutions they have discussed and tabled during the Congress
Children further demonstrated their commitment to creation care by planting trees, guided by bishops, as part of their environmental lessons.
This first-ever nationwide Catholic children’s gathering in Malawi united participants from every diocese, offering new insights into how the Church can guide young people toward becoming responsible citizens and leaders.
Among the resolutions presented were, establishing children-led Eucharistic Masses in all parishes, promoting accessible, high-quality education for every child, training clergy and religious members in PMS activities, strengthening coordination among bishops, clergy, sisters, and parents to enhance children’s spiritual and physical well-being, teaching and enforcing the Church’s Safeguarding Policy
The Congress attracted distinguished guests, including, Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston from the Pontifical Mission Societies office Daria Braithwaite from (U.S.A), PMS director and delegates from Zimbabwe, and other international dignitaries.
Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Pontifical Mission Societies office from Archdiocese of Boston U.S.A, receiving eucharist during the closing Congress Mass celebrationMtima Woyera children Deanery choir leading the closing of the National Children’s Congress Mass celebration
This year’s theme was “Children Are Pilgrims of Hope”, with a total of 1,628 children participating from all dioceses, in the country.
Rt. Rev. Alfred Chaima and a child from the Catholic Diocese of Zomba water a tree, embodying the spirit of stewardship for creation.
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, has highlighted the importance of educating children on environmental conservation.
The call has been made earlier today, 02 August 2025, at the ongoing the National Children’s Congress at Don Bosco Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, where environmental education was the day’s focus.
According to Bishop Mtumbuka, this initiative is part of the response to a letter written by the late Pope Francis entitled “Laudato Si,” which urges the Church to take an active role in environmental stewardship.
“The late Pope emphasized care for creation. By involving children in activities like tree planting, we want to instill in them the importance of protecting nature, as they are the future leaders who will be most affected by climate change,” said His Lordship Mtumbuka.
Bishop Mtumbuka leads by example, planting a tree to teach children about environmental conservation
On the matter of education, His Lordship expressed concern over the challenges children presented to them regarding accessing quality learning.
He stressed the need for government intervention and broader responsibility from all sectors to address this.
Bishop Mtumbuka affirmed the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to ensuring high-quality education for children nationwide.
In his remarks, Ruben Chifundo Nazombe, Acting Director of the Jesuit Center for Ecology and Development, commended MCCB through the organizing committee for also considering environmental education to children, during this Congress.
Nazombe emphasized that this is an ideal time to offer environmental education so that children grow up with a sense of responsibility for nature in their communities.
After completing their sessions, the children, guided by the bishops and leaders, planted trees as a practical application of what they had learned.
The congress continues at Don Bosco Parish, where children are being educated in both spiritual and social life.
Daria Braithwaite, Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston, USA, plants and waters her tree, symbolizing global solidarity in environmental care at the National Children’s Congress.
Written by Titus Jata Phiri
Photo Credit: Edwin Sitima
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has pledged ongoing support for children’s moral and faith development in their daily lives, recognizing their vital role in the Catholic Church’s mission.
MCCB President Bishop Martin Mtumbuka made this declaration at Don Bosco Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe during the official opening of the first-ever National Children’s Congress in Malawi.
“As Bishops, part of our commitment is to nurture our children in faith, social matters, and education. We especially aim to train them in matters of faith, morality, and social discipline, values that should influence their friendships and communities,” Bishop Mtumbuka stated.
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka giving his remarks at the National Children’s Congress Opening Mass
His Lordship has since urged priests and religious congregations, including Sisters serving in various parishes, to take a special interest in children’s spiritual growth, describing them as the future of the Church.
He also expressed appreciation for Sister Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) at the Vatican, who attended the Congress as Pope Leo’s delegate.
He noted that her presence served as a powerful source of motivation for the children’s mission within the Church in Malawi.
Sr. Iness Paulo (at the middle) attending the Opening mass
In her remarks, Sister Ines Paulo shared her joy in witnessing children’s active involvement in the Church through the Holy Childhood Missionaries. She praised their dedication and spiritual enthusiasm.
In his address, National PMS Director, Father Peter Ephraim Madeya, encouraged parishes across the country to consistently offer children leadership opportunities, especially during school holidays, allowing them to lead liturgical activities and participate more fully in Church life.
National PMS director, Fr. Peter Madeya
“These children are asking parishes to give them platforms to lead in various church activities during holidays. This will motivate them and strengthen their spiritual journey,” Fr. Madeya said.
In her remarks, Tina Kandodo, the Chairperson of the National Children’s Congress, said the event includes educational animations designed to strengthen children’s faith.
She emphasized topics such as child trafficking, environmental conservation, and Catholic teachings as central themes of the Congress.
“Our bishops are delighted to see children united in faith. “They have stressed the importance of teaching young Catholics today so that in five to ten years, we will have a stronger Church led by these children.”
Representing fellow children participants, Nancy Matrouser from the Archdiocese of Blantyre said she looks forward to deepening her faith and strengthening her Christian identity through the teachings offered at the Congress.
This landmark event marks the first National Children’s Congress held by the Catholic Church in Malawi. In attendance were the Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston in the United States, a PMS delegate from Zimbabwe, and families from both Malawi and the U.S.A.
The Secretary General of the office for the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from the Vatican, Sister Ines Paulo, has applauded teachers for their tireless work in instilling Christian values in children.
Sister Ines expressed her joy at the way the children’s ministry is progressing at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, highlighting that the dedication shown by teachers in nurturing the children’s spiritual lives is truly admirable.
Bishop Mwakhwawa with Sr Iness visits Mulungu Alinafe SCC
During her visit to Mulungu Alinafe Small Christian Community (SCC) under the Kakoma Outstation of Likuni Parish, Sister Ines was pleased with the growing number of children being taught spiritual values through the support of both their mentors and the sisters under the Archdiocese of Lilongwe’s PMS.
“I have to appreciate these mentors for the remarkable job they are doing in mentoring the children. They are doing an excellent job that gives hope for the future of the Church through these children,” she said.
As part of her role in the PMS office, Sister Ines emphasized the importance of implementing various programs that reach children in different areas, including ministry and education, tailored to the challenges they face.
Sr Iness sharing gifts with the children
She also met with various commissions and groups at Likuni Parish and expressed satisfaction with how Christians are actively participating in different ministerial roles.
During a meeting with these groups, Sister Ines urged parents, teachers, and organizations to prioritize the spiritual care and education of children, aiming to mold them into reliable future Church leaders.
Meanwhile, Vincent Kamunong’ona, chairperson for Kakoma Zone, noted that the visit by the PMS Secretary General from the Vatican has greatly motivated their spiritual and missionary activities.
As part of her visit to the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Sister Ines also toured the Tikondane Care for Children , run by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA).
She praised the MSOLA Sisters for their outstanding efforts in supporting street-connected children and promised to advocate for increased support, emphasizing that helping suffering children is at the heart of the Church’s mission.
Sr Iness visits Tikondane Care for Children
Sister Marie Sakina, project coordinator for Tikondane Care for Children, said the center currently houses a higher number of children than intended, over 35 instead of the ideal 25, due to widespread poverty and other societal challenges.
“We have a lot of children because of the difficulties in our society, especially in the streets. Many families lack food, and these hardships are forcing children onto the streets,” explained Sister Sakina.
After the tour, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, expressed joy at the mission visit by the PMS Secretary General from Rome.
He noted that the visit had showcased the strength of the Church’s children’s ministry in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe under the PMS office.
Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwakhwawa, the Auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe
His Lordship also commended the mentors at Mulungu Alinafe for their contributions to nurturing children’s spiritual lives and preparing them for missionary service within the universal church.
“The archdiocese is deeply committed to training animators. We want to continue forming them, especially because many children in grassroots Christian communities lack properly trained teachers,” said Auxiliary Bishop Mwakhwawa.
Throughout her visit, Sister Ines Paulo had an opportunity to interact with children, hear their success stories, and learn about the challenges they face, particularly in accessing education and basic necessities essential for their spiritual journey.
Her visit was also accompanied by Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston from the United States of America Daria Braithwaite, who is also in Malawi for the Mission experience.
