The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), in collaboration with the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA), has undertaken a significant initiative aimed at combating child labor and supporting at-risk children in the Kpando Municipal, North Dayi, and Biakoye Districts of the Volta Region. This multifaceted intervention includes key stakeholders such as local communities, various educational institutions, and Child Protection Committees at both the district and community levels. The efforts have been directed toward the creation of safe educational environments and the promotion of child rights, signifying a robust approach to mitigating child labor issues in these regions.
A remarkable aspect of this initiative has been the enhancement of Child Protection Committees, which include the District Child Protection Committee (DCPC) and various Community Child Protection Committees (CPC). The distribution of essential materials such as reflective jackets, ID cards, and branded T-shirts has significantly increased the visibility and effectiveness of these local committees in advocating for child rights. Furthermore, educators from Bridge Schools who are responsible for educating previously withdrawn children have also benefited; they received custom-designed bags and teaching materials, alongside allowances designed to support their ongoing work in re-engaging vulnerable students.
The partnership between GAWU and the Ghana Education Service (GES) has yielded additional benefits, as essential teaching and learning materials were provided to 25 schools across four zones in Kpando, North Dayi, and Abotoase. This vital support not only bolstered educational resources but also enriched the learning experiences of students in the area. Kindergarten pupils were presented with branded T-shirts, toys, and outdoor play equipment such as seesaws, while junior high schools received sports gear aimed at promoting physical activity and educational development. Furthermore, members of anti-child labor clubs were equipped with branded T-shirts to further spread awareness and advocacy within their communities.
Children who had been rescued from child labor situations were provided with comprehensive reintegration packages designed to facilitate their return to school and provide them with a better chance for a future free from exploitation. This included school supplies such as bags, exercise books, uniforms, footwear, and stationery, along with access to counseling services and school feeding programs. Older children also had the opportunity to participate in vocational training through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives, offering them sustainable career alternatives and addressing the root causes of child labor.
A crucial element of this initiative has been the involvement of traditional leaders, especially the Paramount Chief of Abotoase, whose support has been pivotal in garnering community backing for the efforts against child labor. The presentation of branded T-shirts and educational resources to the Paramount Chief and local leaders underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in combating child labor. The completion of these activities represents a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against child labor, equipping communities, schools, and vulnerable children with the necessary tools and resources for meaningful change.
As articulated by GAWU’s General Secretary, Mr. Andrew Adoque Tagoe, the program has achieved notable success, particularly in areas like Kpando Torkor, Torgome, Aglama, and Tsitse Korpe, with local chiefs playing a supportive role in the transformation of these areas into Child Labour Free Zones. He emphasized the union’s commitment to ensuring that the waters of Volta Lake, particularly known for tilapia, remain free from the exploitation of child labor. This statement highlights not only GAWU’s broader vision for child labor eradication but also its dedication to creating enduring social and economic improvements within the community. The collective determination of GAWU, DTDA, and local authorities sets a robust foundation for sustainable child labor prevention in the future.
