Report By: Ishmael Barfi
In a significant stride towards eradicating child labour, the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), in partnership with the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA), has successfully implemented a series of impactful interventions in Kpando Municipal, North Dayi, and Biakoye Districts.
These initiatives have not empowered local communities and schools only but have reinforced the efforts of Child Protection Committees (DCPC and CCPC) to create safe educational environments for vulnerable children.
This was contained in a press release issued by the Communication Directorate of the GAWU in Accra dated October 7th, 2024.
The release outlined some key achievements of the intervention including Strengthened Child Protection Committees where 130 essential materials, including reflective jackets, ID cards, and branded T-shirts, were distributed to DCPC and CCPC members.
GAWU and DTDA’s Interventions Enhance Child Protection and Education
These resources according to the release are crucial in enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of local committees in advocating for child rights and protecting children from exploitation.
Furthermore, teachers from Bridge Schools, dedicated to educating previously withdrawn children, received custom-designed bags, teaching materials, and financial allowances.
Additionally, GAWU local union executives were provided with branded T-shirts to foster unity in the ongoing campaign against child labour.
In remarks to Educational Support in Schools, under the GAWU and DTDA partnership in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and teacher unions, the project has supplied essential teaching and learning materials to 25 schools across 4 zones in Kpando, North Dayi, and Abotoase, therefore has significantly strengthened educational resources in these regions.
Some of the withdrawn children in school in their branded T-Shirts
The release further indicated that, branded materials and sports equipment for children especially
Kindergarten pupils in targeted schools received branded T-shirts, toys, and outdoor play equipment such as seesaws.
While the Junior high schools benefited from sports gear, including footballs, jerseys, and footwear, promoting both educational and physical development as well Anti-child labour club members were also equipped with branded T-shirts to support their advocacy efforts.
With regards to withdrawn children, the partnership ensured that children rescued from child labour were provided with a comprehensive reintegration package, including school bags, exercise books, birth certificates, NHIS cards, uniforms, footwear, and essential stationery.
A teacher receiving some jerseys from a community leader whiles GAWU General Secretary Mr. Addoquaye looks on
In addition, counseling services and access to school feeding programs were also made available. For older children, vocational training through TVET has been introduced to offer sustainable alternatives.
Meanwhile, the role of traditional leadership, particularly the Paramount Chief of Abotoase, has been instrumental in fostering community support for these interventions.
Branded T-shirts and educational materials were presented to the Paramount Chief and other community leaders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling child labour.
In conclusion, the Press Release reiterated that the completion of these activities marks a significant milestone in the fight against child labour in these regions.
“By equipping local communities, schools, and vulnerable children, the partnership between GAWU, DTDA, and local authorities has set a solid foundation for long-term impact and sustainability in child labour prevention”, the release appreciated.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
