World Day against Child Labour is an important occasion to raise awareness and take action against the exploitation of children in various forms of work. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are 152 million children in child labor worldwide, of whom 73 million are in hazardous work. These children are deprived of their rights to education, health, safety, and dignity. They are also exposed to physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
Every 12 June, the International Labour Organization joins forces with ILO constituents and partners around the world to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour.
This year, CEWEFIA celebrated the World Day Against Child Labor at the Methodist Church (Ankaful, Saltpond). The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including traditional authorities, delegations from civil society organizations (CSOs), school children, Ghana Education Service, Department of Labour, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Department of Children, fisher folk, etc. all of whom play critical roles in the battle against child labor. The event included a wide range of events which included a video screening on child labor awareness, cultural performances, poetry recitals, panel discussion, educational drum language performances, floats, and enlightening keynote addresses and solidarity messages from all present stakeholders.
There was a panel discussion about the significance of addressing the core causes of child labor. Important themes such as poverty, inequality, parenting, birth control practices, and roles of stakeholders and businesses in the fight against child labor. The discussions and engagement with community members and stakeholders increased awareness, building an atmosphere for meaningful conversations, and motivated collective action to safeguard children's rights and remove the evil of child sexual exploitation and the use of children as cheap labor.
The keynote address was given by Ezekiel Axford Mensah, Labour Officer on behalf of Assistant Chief Labour Officer-Eric Enoch Offei (Regional Labour Officers), from the Department of Labour under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations. During his presentation, he stated that World Day is also an opportunity to remind all stakeholders to improve their implementation of the two fundamental ILO Convention on child labor -Convention No. 182 and No. 138. He further added that we can come together to eliminate child labor and make Ghana a child labour-free zone. He therefore noted the importance of coordinated efforts of both public and private stakeholders which calls for commitment to accelerating efforts and willingness to experiment with new models and approaches that address all forms of child labour sustainably. Going on to refer to Ghana’s third National Plan of Action for the Elimination of all forms of child labor dubbed the “Ghana Accelerated Action Plan Against Child Labor (GAAPACL)” with the vision of ‘’empowered communities where child labor is eliminated and children reach their full potentials’’ and concluding that this vision will require pragmatic and innovative strategic efforts.
There were solidarity messages by esteemed representatives including the Regional Director, of Ghana Education Service, the Executive Director of Youth Rise International a Civic Society Organization, the Paramount Chief of Ankaful, and the Regional Director for Fisheries Commission and their commitment to eliminating child labor.
The World Day Against Child Labor Celebration had cultural performances and drum languages by the school cultural troupe to highlight the realities and challenges of child labor in the local community. These performances served as reminders of the impact of child labor on children and their families, evoking empathy and raising awareness among the audience. By showcasing these issues within the context of the local community, these cultural interludes will foster a deep sense of connection, encouraging individuals to actively engage in efforts to eradicate child labor and create a safer, more inclusive environment for all children.
It was all joy and a time of charge as school children and community members joined important stakeholders from the Department of Children, Department of Labour, Department of Social Welfare, Ghana Education Service, Traditional authorities, and Civil Society Organizations to mark the celebration of the day.
All stakeholders pledged their commitment and stated actions to aid in the fight against child labor.
Together, we can make a difference and create a world where children can thrive, learn, and grow without the burden of child labor.
#USAID#GFRA#CEWEFIA#Henmpoano#WorldDayAgainstChildLabour #NoToChildLabour #ChildrensRights #EducationMatters #ProtectOurChildren
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