A Story of Hope, Compassion, and the Power of Community Gatekeeping
In the heart of Livingstone, Zambia, Malita Mulala’s day took an unexpected turn when she received distressing news—a 1-year, 9-month-old baby had been found abandoned on the streets. Vulnerable and alone, the child was at immediate risk of being placed in a Child Care Facility.
As a trained member of the Community Welfare Assistant Committees (CWACs), Malita had undergone specialized training by ZAS-CCCZ (Zambia Association of Sisterhoods-Catholic Care for Children Zambia) on gatekeeping mechanisms—a set of skills aimed at preventing unnecessary institutionalization by promoting family-based care. This was her moment to put her knowledge into action.
A Critical Intervention
When the police intervened, their first instinct was to place the child in an institution. However, Malita understood that institutional care should always be the last resort. With determination and the skills she had acquired, she advocated for a different approach.
With police approval, Malita took the child into her temporary care, providing warmth, nourishment, and emotional reassurance. But her mission was far from over—she was determined to find the child’s family and ensure a safe, loving reintegration.
The Power of Community Mapping
Using community mapping techniques learned during her training, Malita began her search. She visited local leaders, engaged with community members, and asked the right questions. Her persistence paid off when she discovered the child’s maternal grandmother—an elderly woman devastated to learn of her grandchild’s ordeal. She had believed the child was safe, unaware of what had transpired.
Meanwhile, the child’s parents had been detained, facing legal consequences for their actions. Recognizing the importance of family stability and proper reintegration, Malita went beyond reunion—she facilitated post-reintegration support by connecting the family with social welfare officers, helping them access social cash transfer, and guiding the grandmother on proper caregiving practices.
A Future Transformed
Because of Malita’s commitment and training, the child’s fate changed from a life of institutionalization to a home filled with love and care.
Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of capacity building, grassroots child protection initiatives, and community participation. It highlights how one empowered individual can transform lives, preserve family bonds, and prevent unnecessary child separation.
Together, We Can Keep Families United
Every child deserves the love and security of a family. By equipping community members with the right skills and knowledge, we can ensure that no child is left behind.
by Sr. Catherine Mpolokoso-Catholic Care for Children Zambia
