Strengthening Child Protection in the Volta Region
A one-day intensive capacity building workshop was recently held for members of the Volta Regional Child Protection Committee (RCPC), aimed at enhancing their ability to coordinate, monitor, and respond to child protection issues effectively. The event was organized by SOS Children’s Village, a non-governmental organization, in collaboration with the Department of Children under the auspices of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC).
The primary goal of the training was to build the capacity of committee members to better address child protection challenges in the region. Additionally, it sought to strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders in advocating for the protection and well-being of all children, particularly those without parental care.
Mr. Avona Mohammed Akape, Chief Director of the VRCC, emphasized that children are the most important asset of the country. He urged the older generation to provide proper guidance to children to help them avoid mistakes that could jeopardize their future and hinder their development.
Mr. Anthony Owusu Gyamfi, National Programmes Director of SOS Children’s Village, highlighted the importance of equipping RCPC members with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their mandate. He stated that the organization would continue to strengthen child protection structures at both district and regional levels to ensure they are more responsive to children’s needs.
SOS Children’s Village operates through two main programs: providing alternative care and services for children who have fallen out with their families, and offering support to vulnerable children in communities. Mr. Gyamfi explained that a current project in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region is based on research targeting 500 families. The findings revealed that many caregivers in the district are vulnerable, and child protection mechanisms require support.
“The project aims to address these vulnerabilities by providing financial assistance and helping caregivers improve their parenting skills,” he said. “It is expected that 2000 children will benefit directly from this initiative.”
Mrs. Stella Agbezuhlor Mawutor, Volta Regional Director of Social Welfare, called on religious organizations to show greater care for the most vulnerable members of society. She encouraged them to use their resources to support these individuals. She also emphasized the role of the media in child protection, urging journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on these critical issues.
Mrs. Mawutor led a session on child protection case management and referral pathways during the workshop. She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between different stakeholders in child protection systems.
Mr. Israel Akrobortu, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Children, noted that child protection issues are becoming increasingly complex each day. He mentioned that a lack of coordinated data management is one of the major challenges hindering efforts to address these issues effectively.
The workshop brought together various key players in the child protection sector, including government officials, NGO representatives, and community leaders. It provided a platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises designed to enhance their understanding of child protection frameworks and procedures. They also had the opportunity to network and build relationships that could lead to more effective collaboration in the future.
By focusing on capacity building and stakeholder engagement, the workshop contributed to the broader goal of creating a safer and more supportive environment for children in the Volta Region. It underscored the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.