First Lady Launches Child Online Protection Initiative in Lilongwe

By Fareeda Muheya

On February 7th, 2025, First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera presided over the official launch of the Child Online Protection initiative at Mkwichi Secondary School in Lilongwe. The initiative, led by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), aims to create a safer digital environment for children, shielding them from cyberbullying, online exploitation, and harmful content.

In her keynote address, the First Lady, who also serves as Malawi’s Child Online Protection Ambassador, emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard children in the digital world. “While the internet offers vast opportunities, it also presents significant dangers. As leaders, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our children, especially in the digital space,” Madam Chakwera remarked.

The Child Online Protection initiative seeks to raise awareness of online risks and offer practical solutions for mitigating them. This includes educational campaigns for parents, teachers, and students on topics such as cyberbullying, online predators, and digital privacy.

Alekeni Menyani, Board Director for MACRA, spoke of the organization’s commitment to ensuring a safe and empowering online experience for children. “The internet must remain a place where children can learn, explore, and grow without fear. We must adapt as the digital landscape evolves, ensuring the safety of our children at every step,” Menyani stated.

Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kumkuyu, also addressed the gathering, noting the increasing internet usage across Malawi. While acknowledging the benefits of expanded online access, he stressed that this rise in usage exposes children to significant risks. “The internet is a double-edged sword. It provides opportunities, but it also poses dangers. It’s crucial we instill a culture of digital literacy and online safety,” Kumkuyu said.

In addition to the focus on online safety, the event honored academic achievement. The First Lady, along with MACRA and the Ministry of Education, presented awards to outstanding students from the 2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations. These students, who earned scores ranging from 7 to 15 points, were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

The launch of the Child Online Protection initiative is part of a broader effort to equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely. With technology becoming increasingly integrated into daily life, ensuring the protection of children online has never been more urgent.

As Malawi continues its digital transformation, initiatives like this are crucial in promoting a safer online environment for children, ensuring they can explore the digital age with confidence and security.