By Burnett Munthali
Children under the age of 18 will be barred from attending this year’s Likoma Island Festival (LIFE) as organisers move to strengthen child protection and security measures ahead of the October event.
LIFE Director of Security Innocent Banda said the organisers will work with parents and traditional leaders to raise awareness about child protection and the need to keep minors away from the festival grounds.
Banda said any children found at the festival will be handed over to the police or traditional leaders, while their parents will be required to pay a penalty.
“We are going to engage parents and traditional leaders to sensitise them on issues of child protection. We will not allow children to attend the festival,” said Banda.
Independent Likoma District Councillor Ernest Gulu also urged parents and guardians to ensure that children under 18 do not attend the festival, citing concerns over their possible involvement in undesirable activities.
Gulu said some people misunderstand the purpose of the festival and instead engage in activities such as drinking and smoking.
He urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for ensuring that minors remain away from the festival during the event.
