Lyford Gwazani is a 42-year-old dedicated advocate in the fight against violence targeting children. Lyford has been an integral part of several child protection initiatives in TA Chimutu, Lilongwe, for over 5 years serving as a Children Victim Support Unit (CVSU) leader and a member of Chimutu Community Based Organizations network.
Art & Global Health Center Africa (ArtGlo) with support from UNICEF conducted child protection campaigns in TA Chimutu of which Lyford was involved. Lyford shared his insights on the work, “Each of the awareness campaigns resonated with me on a personal level, reminding me of the urgency to protect our children from harm”. His words embedded the emotional depth and profound impact that these awareness campaigns had on him, igniting a renewed determination to combat violence against children in the area of TA Chimutu.
In his work as a stakeholder in the UNICEF child protection campaign, Lyford explained that he has gained invaluable lessons. “Working alongside ArtGlo has broadened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of violence against children,” he affirmed. The campaigns brought together different stakeholders such as the Police, court, and health personnel among others which Lyford stated has deepened his knowledge of effective intervention strategies and the importance of stakeholders’ coordination in creating a safer environment for children. Child protection issues are multisectoral and as such, approaching them from only one or few angles leads to ineffective results.
One aspect of this campaign that stood out to Lyford was the emphasis on amplifying children’s voices through various art forms such as drama, songs, poems, and dances. “Seeing children showcasing various performances during the campaign was truly inspiring,” he remarked. “It reinforced the significance of listening to their experiences and involving them in raising awareness on issues that affect them”. This recognition underscores the creative potential of empowering children as agents of change in ending violence.
Looking ahead, Lyford envisions integrating the lessons learned from his involvement with ArtGlo in his future endeavors. “I am committed to leveraging this knowledge to strengthen our support systems and advocacy efforts”, he stated. “By amplifying community voices and fostering collaboration, we can create lasting change and ensure a safer, more inclusive world for children”. His resolute determination serves as a beacon of hope in the ongoing struggle to end violence against children.
