Schoolchildren at Senya Bereku in the Central Region have called on parents to include their children in the decision-making process regarding their welfare.
In addition, they said, parents should not discriminate against their children on the basis of gender, physical disability or age.
The schoolchildren made the call in a communiqué issued at a Child’s Rights Conference at Senya Bereku which was organised by Challenging Heights, a non-governmental organisation.
“We do not see any system or mechanism in Senya Bereku that protects children from all kinds of abuses, and there is no a direct scholarship or benefits for children who have been victims of child abuse,” they stated.
The children also appealed to the government to ensure the early release of the Capitation Grant so that they can adequately enjoy the free compulsory basic education.
They also implored the government to improve on school facilities and infrastructure to enable them to benefit fully from the education sector.
Additionally, the children have urged the Awutu Senya West District Assembly to implement programmes that would help communities and parents to understand the importance of education for them to be encouraged to send their children to school, adding that “many parents are ignorant of this and it is affecting children greatly”.
They underscored the need for a district welfare office in Senya, since the only office was located in Bereku. “We the children cannot go all the way to Bereku to report cases of child abuse.”
Parents, they said, should provide the basic needs of children including food, shelter and quality health care.
“Parents need to give children the opportunity to enjoy their leisure time, to learn and use their talents. Parents should include children in decision-making regarding their welfare, and should not discriminate against their children on the basis of gender, physical disability or age.”
The children also pleaded with teachers to educate them on their civil rights and responsibilities. They also called for the establishment of guidance and counselling units in all schools in the community to address the challenges that children faced at various ages and stages in life.
