When stakeholders come together to discuss children, then my heart is full. My first encounter with children was after SHS when I was introduced to teaching in a private school. The children loved me but I adored them. There were the smart ones, the good ones and the talented ones. The latter were the most difficult to deal with. Their gifts were not only in the classroom but also in other sports.It was why after school most of my projects where child-centred including children with special needs.

Common fund

When it comes to safeguarding the rights of children especially those at risk of losing parental care, I very much appreciate the work of SOS Childrens Villages in Ghana and worldwide. It is rather sad the budget allocation that a lot of these stakeholders have to work with all year round to help put these children in comfort homes.

Streetism

A research by UNICEF  in Ghana has stipulated that 60,000 children in Ghana live on the streets which forces them into very challenging work while others are forced into child labour in quarries, fishing, hawking and other menial jobs. 

Procedures

When asked the procedures to adopting or reintegrating vulnerable children, you may be amazed at how these children can not be easily adopted or hidden by unknown people. To reunite street children with their families sometimes takes efforts by the police, care homes, and other stakeholders before these vulnerable children can either be adopted or taken to foster care.

UNICEF

Coming together as a united front, all stakeholders including UNICEF has a call to action to put an end to child labour and streetism in Ghana by prioritising children’s needs above all else as they are the future leaders of tomorrow. The call was a good one and as always, my heart is glad for my children. It is worth noting that JOY News did a good job highlighting this all important dialogue for all and sundry.