1. Introduction

The Concerned Youth Organisation (CYO) is a local non-governmental organization that was established in 2002, dedicated to improving the socioeconomic challenges faced by children, youth, and women. Our mission is to foster sustainable and equitable development by empowering these groups to address the issues affecting their lives and communities.

Initially founded in Blantyre City, CYO has since expanded its operations to encompass both urban and rural areas, extending its footprint to Balaka, Machinga, Mchinji, and Neno district. Currently headquartered in Mpingwe, Limbe, within Blantyre City. The idea to start CYO was conceived by local youth who realized the significance of youth development.

CYO’s founding members envisioned a platform to uplift the marginalized segments of society, actively engaging them in the developmental discourse. Through targeted initiatives, we strive to empower youth, children, and women, enabling them to become agents of positive and sustainable change in their communities.

Our vision: A just, equitable, sustainable, and thriving society free from poverty.

Our mission: To promote sustainable development by addressing socio-economic challenges in education, health, climate change, food security and gender equality.

Our Mandate

At the heart of the Concerned Youth Organisation (CYO) lies a steadfast mandate: to empower individuals of all backgrounds, particularly youth, women, and children, enabling them to actively shape their lives and communities across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Central to this mandate is the imperative to facilitate their engagement in policy formulation and decision-making processes, ensuring their voices resonate in matters that directly impact their well-being.

Despite the recognition of children, youth and women within national development frameworks such as Vision 2063, prevailing strategies often overlook their nuanced needs and aspirations. Existing mechanisms fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities encountered by these groups, relegating them to the margins of development discourse. CYO recognizes this gap and pledges to amplify the influence of children, women, and youth by championing strategies that address the underlying causes of poverty in Malawi.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that equipping children, women, and youth with pertinent skills and empowering them to spearhead meaningful initiatives are pivotal to fostering sustainable development tailored to their unique requirements. By fostering a conducive environment for skill development and initiative-taking, CYO endeavors to catalyze positive contributions towards realizing all facets of development objectives.

2. Background to the Study on Street Connected Children and Development of a Strategy in Blantyre City

Street children have been identified as children in difficult circumstances and their rights and welfare remain a growing concern to both national and international bodies. UNICEF identifies children in three categories: children inhabiting streets, children working on the streets, and children of street families. Street children everywhere are developmentally at risk and the longer they remain on the streets, the more vulnerable they become.

UNICEF estimated at least 100 million street children globally. In Malawi, a 2015 study indicated a combined population of 4,165 street children in Blantyre and Lilongwe, with 454 completely homeless. Malawi’s rapidly growing population, of which 53% are under 18, will likely double by 2038, putting immense pressure on social services and increasing the number of street children.

Vulnerable children include those abandoned due to poverty, sent to cities for income, or escaping abusive households. Many are victims of intra-family violence. Factors driving children to the streets include poverty, family breakdown, violence, natural disasters, forced marriage, and urban allure such as independence and adventure.

Children’s rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Malawi Constitution. Sections 23 and 24 ensure protection from exploitation and uphold the right to family and education.

Our Action to the Identified Issue

With financial support from Save the Children and Youth Lead Organization Investment Fund, CYO in collaboration with Blantyre City Council is developing a strategy to address the growing concern of street children. This will involve stakeholder engagement and a thorough study of root causes and current interventions.

Study Objectives:

• To understand root causes contributing to the influx of street children in Blantyre City.
• To assess street life experiences and institutional interventions.
• To draw lessons and recommendations for sustainable solutions.

The findings will inform a strategy and advocacy campaign: “It’s not my wish, take care of me”. The expert/consultant will assess the situation, policies, and consult key stakeholders including children, government entities, businesses, and civil society.

The outcome will be a comprehensive report and strategy with an implementation plan, developed in collaboration with Blantyre City Council and stakeholders.

3. Deliverables from the Assignment

The expert will:

• Carry out the study and develop a Strategy on Street Connected Children.
• Develop a Resource Mobilization Strategy.
• Develop a Communication Strategy for the organization.

Key Processes:

• Assessment Phase: Desk research, FGD with children, organizational visits.
• Strategy Development: Communication and resource mobilization strategy.
• Organizational Review: Assessment of governance, HR, financials, MEL, sustainability.
• Recommendations: Action plan with timelines.
• Final Output: Strategy document with implementation plan and stakeholder validation.
• Implementation: Led by CYO and Blantyre City Council.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will work with CYO’s Program Manager and MEAL Manager, and be provided with necessary documentation and contacts.

Deliverables:

• Inception Report: Understanding of the task, methodology, timeline (max 5 pages).
• Study Report: Findings on street connected children.
• Final Strategy: Street Children Strategy with implementation plan and stakeholder validation.

5. Timeframes

• ToR Advertisement: 1st April 2025
• Consultant Engagement: 10th April 2025
• Study Report Submission: 13th May 2025
• Draft Strategy Submission: 15th May 2025
• Final Strategy Submission: 19th May 2025

6. Consultant Qualifications

The consultant should have:

• Degree in Management Studies, Behaviour and Communication or related field
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in research, strategy and policy development
• Experience with participatory approaches
• Knowledge of the NGO environment in Malawi and internationally
• Strong analytical and writing skills

7. How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their response to the ToR including understanding, methodology, team CVs, budget, and references by 9th May 2025.

Email submissions to: info@cyomw.org with subject: CYO Study on Street Children and Strategy Development.