Judge Kanthambi tells children to open up

High Court Financial Crimes Division Judge Anneline Kanthambi on Friday called upon children to share their challenges with people they trust before they affect their mental wellbeing.

Speaking in an interview during the God’s Grace Academy Awards Night in Blantyre where she was guest of honour, Justice Kanthambi said people, including children, are facing a lot of challenges that need to be addressed from the source.

“We just look at the [bad] behavior but we don’t want to look at the source. Sometimes it is because they have got issues in their minds and they have not had the courage to address them openly,” she said.

Justice Kanthambi said lack of an open culture in society has led people to heavy drinking and smoking to the detriment of their health.

“For a culture like ours, if you are a boy you are told ‘you are man’. You can’t cry or share your issues with your friends. No compassion. Let them speak. As they vent, maybe things will become clearer to them,” she said.

Justice

1024×683.jpeg” alt=”MWNation”>

Kanthambi recommended that teenagers should have a chance to speak out their concerns to professionals or friends.

She also called upon parents to show interest in their children beyond pushing for better grades all the time.

God’s Grace Academy principal said the awards were organised to motivate students to improve themselves holistically.

“We are not only awarding students in academic performance, we are awarding students holistically. For example, we are awarding students that are well-disciplined, students that are punctual, well dressed, students that have excelled in sports, spelling bee and other areas because God’s Grace Academy we focus on holistic education and not just academic excellence,” he said.

One of the awardees, Form 5 student Doffa Kamtukule said she has always been encouraged to work hard and compete against herself.

“I want to utilise my youthful days in the best way possible. I am looking at the possibility of pursuing a career in architecture. I want to make an impact on the world,” she said.

During the event three students pitched business ideas that can help the country to boost its foreign exchange earnings.