Speech at Ingrid Chawner Juvenile Centre

First of all I would like to thank you for your warm hospitality. I understand that the "Ingrid Chawner Juvenile Centre" is a popular item on the itinerary for both official and other visitors to Mozambique.

This is a compliment to you all, and reflects the importance of the work being done here.

As Norway’s prime minister I am pleased to see how our development cooperation has improved life for children in difficult circumstances. On a more personal note, my wife and I also appreciate the underlying Christian principles that guide your work. Here at the centre, street boys are not only offered beautiful surroundings. They are also given love and care, based on Christian values.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to protection from violence, abuse and neglect. Life on the street is surely one of the least protected environments a child can have. This centre is doing a wonderful job in getting children off the street.

Of course, staying at the centre is not a permanent solution. Your making every effort to reintegrate the children with their families, whenever possible, is therefore very important.

Thus, the success of this centre is measured not by the number of children who live here. The success of this centre must be measured by the number of children who have left and leave the centre – without returning to the streets. All of you here at Zimpeto know this better than anyone else.

I am very impressed by your devotion to the important objective of providing a better future for street children.

I wish you all the best – and God Speed.