YOUTH IMPACT VISITS CBCCs IN T/A SITOLA, MACHINGA MALAWI

On 26th June 2025, Youth Impact conducted a field visit to various Community-Based Childcare Centres (CBCCs) within Traditional Authority Sitola in Machinga District. The purpose of the visit was to assess the current conditions of the CBCCs and engage with community members, caregivers, and school committees on the challenges and opportunities surrounding early childhood education. The team visited Mwayi Wathu CBCC in Mpotola Village, where they found the structure not functioning. The building had visible cracks on the walls, an uneven floor, and a roof severely damaged by termites, making it unsafe for use. Similarly, Kachere CBCC in Uladi Village was not in operation due to similar structural issues, including cracked walls and a poor floor surface. At Limbikani CBCC in Mtira Village, there was a more hopeful situation. This was the only center where children were still learning through play. However, the roof was showing signs of serious termite damage, raising concerns over the safety of the children, especially during strong winds. While at this center, Youth Impact also held a meeting with caregivers, school committee members, and parents. The discussion focused on the challenges faced during teaching and playtime, including a lack of chairs for all children, water shortages, low motivation among caregivers due to lack of incentives, and low attendance caused by food shortages in households. The visit also covered Luntha CBCC, which, despite having a relatively better roof, is currently not operational. The center still has an uneven floor, which poses a risk to children and makes the environment unconducive for learning. Following the visit, several recommendations were made. Firstly, there is a need to raise awareness among communities about the importance of early childhood education. Secondly, maintenance and repair work should be prioritized to ensure that all centers are safe and fully functional by the next term. Lastly, the recruitment and training of new caregivers and school committee members are essential in ensuring quality care and education for the children. Through these visits, Youth Impact reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community-driven efforts in creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments for Malawi’s youngest learners.