Accra: The Right4Cocoa Project has presented learning materials to vulnerable children in selected basic schools in the Ahafo North Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, beneficiaries were identified at the Maabang Presbyterian Basic School and Maafo Seventh Day Adventist Basic School, where they received essential educational materials. The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) Ghana, a human rights and media advocacy non-governmental organization, is implementing the two-year project to promote the rights and dignity of children.
The project aims to enhance access to education and child protection within cocoa-growing communities, addressing socio-economic challenges that hinder children's development. The main objective is to tackle child labor and exploitation, reduce school-dropout rates, and improve access to basic learning resources.
Speaking at ceremonies in Maabeng and Maafo, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the founder and CEO of GloMeF, emphasized the importance of education as a tool to break the cycle of poverty. He noted that the provision of learning materials would inspire children to stay in school and alleviate financial burdens on families.
Mr. Ahenu stated, "The intervention is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that children in cocoa communities enjoy their right to education in a safe and supportive environment." He added that the Rights4Cocoa Project is funded by Unifor Canada, whose support is crucial in advancing child-centered initiatives in Ghana's cocoa-growing areas.
He further explained, "Through the partnership, GloMeF continues advocating responsible cocoa production that prioritizes the welfare, education, and rights of children." Mr. Ahenu reaffirmed GloMeF's dedication to collaborating with schools, communities, and development partners to promote children's rights and sustainable community development.
Authorities at the beneficiary schools expressed gratitude for the gesture, highlighting its potential to enhance teaching and learning. Some parents also praised the project and called for continued collaboration to support educational development and child protection in the municipality.