The Department of Social Welfare has taken proactive steps to sensitize residents, including persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, in the Logre-Zogin and Logre-Kolkpeng communities of the Nabdam District in the Upper East Region on child protection issues.
The comprehensive sensitization program, led by Mr. Gabriel Azagsa Apobona, Nabdam District Officer for the Department of Social Welfare, addressed critical issues such as child labor, teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and the detrimental effects of illegal mining activities. The primary goal was to instill in community members the importance of safeguarding children and preparing them for a prosperous future.
Central to the program was educating participants on how to access support from the Department of Social Welfare for vulnerable groups within their families and communities. Mr. Apobona highlighted the concerning trend of children dropping out of school to engage in illegal mining activities due to financial incentives. He emphasized the importance of providing guidance and education to redirect these children towards realizing their full potential.
Moreover, Mr. Apobona underscored the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, including orphans and persons with disabilities, through initiatives such as the allocation of three percent of the Common Fund. He urged community members to leverage these resources to seek assistance for their vulnerable children.
Encouraging parents to prioritize education, Mr. Apobona stressed the significance of enrolling children in school and nurturing them to become productive citizens capable of contributing to national development. The program aimed to empower parents to invest in their children's education as a pathway to a brighter future.
Participants, including Madam Yenpoka Mba, commended the Department of Social Welfare for its efforts in raising awareness about parental responsibilities. Madam Mba expressed her commitment to investing in her children's education, echoing the sentiment that the program was a step in the right direction towards fostering community development.
Through initiatives like this sensitization program, the Department of Social Welfare is making significant strides in promoting child protection and empowering communities to nurture the next generation of responsible citizens.
