The Rotary Club of Lilongwe has urged institutions, companies, and individuals across the country to cultivate a culture of sharing with the less privileged, stressing that the government alone cannot meet the needs of all vulnerable groups.

The club’s President, George Naphambo, made the call on Saturday, December 13, during a visit to five orphanages in Lilongwe as part of the club’s festive season outreach activities. During the visits, Rotary members interacted with the children, donated baby items and food supplies, and commended the orphanages for their dedication to caring for vulnerable children.

Naphambo said Malawi has a large number of vulnerable people with diverse needs, making it difficult for any single institution or the government to provide adequate support.

“What I have observed is that as a country, we have many vulnerable people in different ways, which makes it difficult for one institution or the government alone to support them all. This is why we need to join hands, because working together makes the burden lighter,” he said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Graceland Child Care Centre, Pamera Chipiko, applauded the Rotary Club of Lilongwe for its gesture, saying such support is crucial for institutions working with children with different abilities.

Chipiko explained that Graceland Child Care Centre currently provides services to over 200 children with different abilities, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. However, she said the increasing number of children needing these services is posing challenges, particularly due to limited space, as the centre operates from rented premises.

“Most of the time, children with different abilities are treated as less important compared to others. Even in health facilities, priority is often given to other children. As a mother, this is very disappointing because every child deserves proper attention and care,” she said.

During the outreach, the Rotary Club of Lilongwe visited Tikondane Care for Children in Area 2, Chrisiss Nursery in Area 14, Graceland Child Care Centre in Area 51, Utatu Woyera in Kawale, and Falls Orphan Care Centre in Falls, Lilongwe. The club donated diapers, infant milk, as well as bags of beans and maize, among other assorted items.