Curious Minds Hit Fishing Communities with Interactive Theatre Sessions on Child Labour and Trafficking
August 19, 2024
Sustainable Development through Quality SRHR
August 20, 2024
PROJECT BRIEF
The Children Against Child Labour and Trafficking (CHaClaT Project), implemented by Curious Minds Ghana with the aim of ending child labour and trafficking in coastal areas in Ghana, specifically Chorkor, Tema Newtown and Azizanya. The project is meant to contribute to the reduction of Child Labour and Trafficking along the fishing communities in the selected coastal districts through child and adolescent, community empowerment and awareness engagements by the end of 2024.
Donor: USAID Duration: March 2023 – December 2023
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The ChaCLaT Project addresses the critical issue of child labour and trafficking, specifically in Ghana's coastal fishing communities. It seeks to empower children and adolescents through education and awareness to reduce the exploitation of children, raise community awareness, and foster collaborative efforts for child protection.
GOAL
To contribute to the reduction of Child Labour and Trafficking along the fishing communities in the selected coastal districts through child and adolescent, community empowerment, and awareness engagements by the end of 2024.
KEY ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
- Media Engagement and Advocacy
- Training and Capacity Building
- Safe Space Creation
- Community Sensitization
- Stakeholder Engagement
PROJECT RESULTS
26
Radio Programs on Child Labor and Trafficking
A total of 2 radio programs were produced, successfully meeting the target. These programs reached a broad audience, raising awareness on child labour and trafficking issues.
30
Youth Trained as ROC Champions
30 youth were trained as ROC champions. These youth are now equipped to advocate for children's rights and raise awareness within their communities.
375
Training on Child Labour and Trafficking
A total of 375 individuals were trained on child labor and trafficking, The training had a significant impact, with a strong focus on key stakeholders.
1,211
Community Education on Child Rights
1,211 community members were educated on child rights
7
Community Leader Commitments to Address Child Labour
7 community leaders pledged to take action on child labor and trafficking, surpassing the target. This is a positive outcome, showcasing strong leadership support for child rights initiatives.
3
Creation of Safe Spaces
3 safe spaces were created to support children at risk of labour and trafficking and offered refuge and safety for vulnerable children.
KEY ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
Stakeholder Engagement
Regional and national colloquia brought together key stakeholders from multiple sectors to discuss and act on child protection. 2 national colloquia and 1 regional colloquium were held with key commitment statements from local leaders.
Community Sensitization
Sensitization activities were conducted in the form of community forums and colloquia. 9 community sensitization fora were held across various districts.
Safe Space Creation
The project set up 3 safe spaces (listening clubs) for youth to interact with stakeholders. These spaces were used for capacity building activities and as platforms for raising issues related to child labour and trafficking.
Training and Capacity Building
Local children, adolescents, and community leaders participated in training programs on child rights, trafficking, and community-based solutions. 30 children were trained as champions to educate their peers about child labour and trafficking. 500 community members, including religious and traditional leaders, were sensitized on children's rights.
Media Engagement & Advocacy
The project developed local radio programs with some produced in local dialects and media content to raise awareness about child labour and trafficking
Commitment Actions from Stakeholders
8 commitment actions/statements were received from various stakeholders, exceeding the target. This demonstrates strong buy-in from key community and institutional actors in the fight against child labor and trafficking.
An 8-year-old boy from Takoradi was found living with squatters in Tema, after sneaking out of his grandparents’ home due to dissatisfaction with his living conditions. Exposed to abuse and danger, the case was brought to the attention of the CLaT network. Through collaboration with social welfare, the police, and the assemblyman, the boy was located, returned to school, and reunited with his biological father. The father now provides monthly upkeep money, ensuring the child’s safety and well-being. This intervention has protected the child’s future, allowing him to thrive in a safe environment.
