Anti child trafficking in Malawi

[Alec John Moore]

Hi

What, you are wondering, has this got to do with East Dulwich? While I don't know of any children being trafficked from Malawi to East Dulwich, I do know a bit about the problem in Malawi.

You might remember my thread from a couple of months ago about trying to empathise with those living on the equivalent of ?1 a day. http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?20,878276,page=1

Thanks to everyone who read the thread and contributed their comments - and a particular thanks to those who made a donation.

I took that challenge because I am interested in the issue and I wanted to raise awareness of it and raise funds for my organisation - Salvation Army International Development.

A lot of my work involves managing a grant we have for our anti child trafficking work in Malawi. Follow this link to find out more about the work and the Radio 4 appeal we have going out this Sunday.

http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/idNews

We managed to get the writer and broadcaster Rhidian Brook to present the Radio 4 appeal and it was an interesting challenge writing the script for radio. Going to "old" Broadcasting House for the recording last month was fun, too.

Child trafficking is a real problem in Malawi and many other parts of Africa and Asia. In terms of child abuse it clearly isn't always as extreme as the treatment meted out by the Lord's Resistance Army where children are "recruited" as soldiers.

I've seen something of the psychological trauma that results from being forced to herd cattle all day, alone, with little or no food. I've also seen the ways in which children respond to care and attention, the chance to play and go to school. Things we tend to take for granted for our children in East Dulwich.

If you get the chance have a listen to the appeal. I look forward to seeing your responses.

Best wishes

Alec