Creating ‘children’s corners’ in Malawi, so every child has a safe space to learn and play

Since 2021, through its Soccer Aid for UNICEF UK Aid Match project, UNICEF has been building safe, inclusive and resilient communities for women and children in Malawi.

A key focus of the project is the establishment of ‘children’s corners’, spaces where children can go to play and learn outside of school, in their communities. The project has trained community volunteers to become facilitators at the corners. These facilitators teach children about their rights, supporting them to stand up for themselves and work out any problems they may encounter at home or school.

“Children’s corner is a centre where children play, where we go to take away our stress. It’s a place where we learn and share knowledge”. Charles, 12 years old.

Photograph: 14-year-old Billy outside the children’s corner at Nankuyu Village in Blantyre, southern Malawi. Photo credit: UNICEF/Chikondi.

The project has also focused on installing solar powered water systems at the children’s corners and in the wider community in Malawi. These provide safe water that children can drink, wash and cook with. Previously women and children would have to spend up to an hour walking to fetch water from rivers and open wells, carrying heavy containers to bring the water back home. This water would often be contaminated, making them and their families sick.

The water systems have also improved attendance at school and the children’s corners. Children can get to school on time and feel healthy while they are there, which helps them stay focused.

Other community volunteers have been trained in management of the solar water systems, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to monitor and fix any issues that may arise.

Watch this video to hear first hand from the children supported through the project, as they take you to visit one of their corners.