European union, Rights to play international assists Oti region in fighting child labour and trafficking

European union, Rights to play international , Pacodep , Acrad and it’s local partners has rolled out a series of activities to raise awareness of the need to protect Ghanaian children against child labour, trafficking and exploitation in farming and fishing communities.

The program, which aims at supporting teachers in some selected districts namely Kajebi, Krachi East, Krachi West in Oti region and Kpando in the Volta region. This is to create a conducive learning environment.

Secondly, to allow parents, guardians and community leaders to enact laws that will protect the rights of the child.

Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti regional minister in his opening address, stressed on the need for children to engage in education and vocational training rather than being used on farmlands and fishing.

Ms. Paulina Rozycka Head of Infrastructure and sustainable development, European union Ghana said, the motive behind their coming is to help address the challenges facing the Oti region which is child labour and trafficking.

“The UN believes every child deserves to be free from exploitation”.

“More than 700,000 children are still engaged in Cocoa farming activities while in the fishing communities, one out of every five children are engaged in fishing or are being exploited “.

“Over the next few years, My right, my future will protect the vulnerable children and will reach out to about 5,000 children to give them better access to education”.

Mr . Evans Sinkari, Program Director, Right to play international said, 70 to 80% of working the working age in the beneficiary communities are into farming or fishing and they would use the learning throw play strategy to empower children to be able to express themselves and bring out the issues that affect them and together they are able to draw action plans to support their own actions.

By this, all will be given equal opportunities to education and vocational training.