By Jones Gadama

Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha has provided MK10 million to One Step Foundation, a local organization working with children living and working on the streets across Malawi.

The funding is aimed at strengthening programs that offer education support, protection, and reintegration services for street-connected children, many of whom have been forced onto the streets by poverty, family breakdown, and lack of access to schooling.

Speaking while handing over the donation, Navicha said government recognizes the daily struggles faced by children on the streets and remains determined to partner with non-state actors that are delivering real change on the ground.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that no child is left behind. Organizations such as One Step Foundation are doing commendable work to give these children hope, dignity, and a second chance at life. As a ministry, we will continue to back such efforts,” Navicha said.

The Minister emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of vulnerability. She noted that several children previously supported by the foundation have advanced to tertiary education, a development she described as proof that targeted interventions work.

“Seeing these children progress to university level is encouraging. It shows that with the right support, their backgrounds do not have to define their future. This assistance is meant to remove barriers and inspire others to keep striving,” she added.

During the event, Navicha also presented an award to One Step Foundation in appreciation of its sustained commitment to child welfare and social protection.

Part of the MK10 million will go toward procuring laptops for two beneficiaries who recently secured places at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences and the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences. The equipment is expected to help them settle into their studies and keep up with academic demands.

Receiving the support, One Step Foundation Director Moses Mwalabu thanked the Minister for what he called a “timely intervention” that will directly impact children under the organization’s care.

“This donation will help us expand education access and provide critical services that street-connected children need. Education is the surest way to end poverty, and we are grateful that government shares that vision,” Mwalabu said.

He added that the foundation will continue working with government and other partners to reach more children and ensure they are given opportunities to thrive.

The Ministry of Gender has in recent years intensified calls for coordinated action to address the growing number of children on the streets, citing education, psychosocial support, and family reintegration as key pillars of its response strategy.