By Fortune Wycliffe Chigaga

Timveni Radio has been recognised as the radio station championing the rights of street-connected children in the country.

The station was awarded a certificate at a ceremony held today at Kamuzu Palace, where the First Lady, Monica Chakwera, was the guest of honour.

One of the Trustees of Timveni Child and Youth Media Organisation, Joab Frank Chakhaza, described the recognition as both an honour and a reminder of the organisation’s responsibility.

“We take it as a recognition of the immense work we do to promote human rights and the well-being of street-connected children. This is an obligation we have as a media house that advocates for the rights of children and youth,” saya Chakhaza.

has since called on stakeholders, communities and policy-makers to make use of Timveni’s media platforms to dissect sticky issues such as how to reintegrate street-connected children into society.

In her remarks, Madam Chakwera called for concerted efforts in supporting street-connected children to become self-reliant and productive citizens in the future.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of this year’s organising committee, Amos Chibwana, who is also a child rights activist, appealed to both parents and guardians to refrain from actions that force children out of their homes and into the streets.

Others that have been awarded include institutions such as Bwenzi la Ana, Samaritan Trust, as well as individual journalists, among others.

This year’s event was held under the theme:  “Participation, From the Streets to the Decision Table: Listening to the Voice of Street-Connected Children.”