Dodowa: The SOS Children's Village has organised a child protection training for stakeholders within the Dodowa and Ayikuma enclaves in the Shai Osu-Doku municipality. The training drew stakeholders from the Shai Osu-Doku municipal assembly, the Traditional Council, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Units (DOVVSU), youth groups, artisans, and other agencies within the communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Linda Darko, the Child Safeguard and Advocacy Advisor for the SOS Children's Village, explained in an interview that the training targeted stakeholders in child advocacy, extending from social services, education directorates, health services, judicial services, to religious leaders, all of whom play crucial roles in child protection advocacy in the constituency. Ms. Darko highlighted SOS Children's Villages' dedication to fostering a caring and protective environment that upholds its core values and combats child abuse and exploitation.
The training aimed to prevent cases of child abuse and reduce incidents involving child-to-child and adult-to-child interactions while educating children about their rights and active participation in child protection. Education and awareness were emphasized as key challenges to child protection in the country, along with cultural norms that make it difficult for people to abandon traditional practices due to potential backlash from the community. Ms. Darko also addressed the issue of poverty, which often results in neglected children lacking the right environments to grow and become stable members of society.
Additionally, the SOS Children's Village is supporting the communities through this training to enhance stakeholders' capacities in child protection and awareness. Ms. Darko emphasized the organization's commitment to advocacy in health, education, parental protection, and care, ensuring that stakeholders at various governmental levels are equipped to advocate for child protection across the country.
Naana Ayerkie Yotsu III, Queen-mother of Dodowa, remarked on the evolution of child upbringing, noting the influence of technology in modern times. She encouraged a blend of traditional and technological approaches to discipline, aiming to shape children into prominent members of society. Furthermore, Nana Yotsu proposed collaboration with the municipal assembly and police to eliminate areas where illegal activities involving children occur, such as drug abuse and underage drinking.
The Queen-mother also mentioned plans to work with the education directorate and the assembly to counsel and enroll underage children lacking education, emphasizing the importance of education for the future of these children and the nation as a whole. She called on parents, caregivers, and stakeholders to persist in their efforts to advocate for child protection and support the development of a promising young generation.