Even under the watchful eye of their parents, some children may slip through the cracks. Children are vulnerable and require protection from exploitation or lack of education. Understanding the rights of children and gender equality are keys to creating a system that protects children from dangers such as early marriage, trafficking, sexual abuse, child labour and neglect.
Girls in particular are at risk of dropping out of school, and without an education, they become vulnerable to exploitation. A very simple problem like the lack of girls-only latrines can be a barrier to a girl’s education, but providing them affords a female student the privacy and safety so she can continue attending.
Another mechanism that would help protect these children is simply having a birth certificate. When a child is registered at birth, that piece of identification opens up access to basic human rights, education, health care, and protection from abuse and exploitation. Through Community Sponsorship, Plan has worked to register births and deaths, and so far over 3,000 children have been given birth certificates.
Plan also fosters a strong community involvement by supporting the establishment of child protection committees to build capacity of local organizations to address child protection issues and train community members about gender equality.
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Plan Canada is also dedicated to empowering young people in Volta, Ghana to advocate for themselves. Child and youth organizations give children a voice to speak out about their rights. Plan has established Right of the Child clubs, which now have nearly 1,000 members. These clubs engage children and youth to raise awareness and educate their fellow community members on the negative consequences of abuse through live theatre.
Plan Canada is working with community members to protect children and create a brighter future in Volta, Ghana, but there are so many more families that need your support through Community Sponsorship. You can help by being part of the Edmonton Challenge: Plan is looking for 800 individuals or families to pledge support to Plan. A donation of $39/month helps the community develop the tools and skills to promote safe and nurturing environments for children. You can find more information at www.plancanada.ca/edmonton-challenge.
