The second phase of the Promoting Child Rights and Equal Opportunities for Children in Street and other Vulnerable Situations project has been launched in Tamale.
This second phase, being implemented in Bagliga, Yipeligu and Kpilo communities in the Tamale, Tolon, and Kumbungu Assemblies, focuses on creating more awareness around child rights and safeguarding principles in the communities and schools. The first phase of the project was implemented between 2021-2024 in three communities namely Kotingli, Gbrimani and Zangbalun in the Tamale, Tolon, and Kumbungu Districts.
It is being implemented jointly by the Centre for Development and Policy Advocacy (CEDEPA Ghana) an NGO in Tamale, and Safe Child Advocacy, an NGO in Kumasi with funding from Misereor in Germany and Adamfo Ghana in the Netherlands. Mr. Ziblim Alhassan, a Development Consultant and Research Fellow at CEDEPA Ghana, speaking during the launch, said it was to engage stakeholders in thought-provoking discussions to inspire collaborative efforts to enhance the welfare of children in the northern parts of the country. He said, “This initiative aligns with our shared goal of promoting the rights and safety of children especially those in vulnerable conditions.”
He said the project would establish and train community Child Protection Committees (CPC) and help strengthen the capacity of teachers and school administrators to safeguard the rights of schoolchildren. Mr. Tahiru Imoro, Tamale Metropolitan Director, National Commission for Civic Education, administered the Oath of Office to 54 CPC members from the six project communities and called for collaborative efforts to guarantee the well-being of children and other vulnerable groups in the communities.
He urged parents, teachers, and other stakeholders in the communities to take an active role in the development of the children by leading exemplary lives for the children to emulate. He urged the media to intensify advocacy and awareness on the need to protect the rights of children and vulnerable groups in the communities.
Madam Rashida Mohammed, Head of Community Development, Department of Social Welfare, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly emphasized the right of children to quality education, shelter, clothing, nutritious food, and other necessities to enhance their well-being.
Mr. Abdul-Majeed Musah, a Principal Community Development Officer, who represented the Northern Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare, entreated all stakeholders particularly the CPC members to use the ideas shared at the programme to improve upon their work in the communities.
Source: GNA
