The Child Aid and Youth Development Network (CAYNET) in collaboration with the Birim South District Assembly (BSDA) recently celebrated World Day against Child Labour. It was held at the Roman Catholic Clinic conference hall in Akim Swedru in the Birim South District of the Eastern Region.

Six schools, namely St Agatha girls JHS, Akim Swedru;  Awisa Boarding School, Akim Awisa; Akim Swedru Methodist;  Akim Swedru Presbyterian JHS; Mount Calvary Academy, and the  St Michael’s Preparatory School, Asawase participated.

The Chairman for the occasion, Mr Nicholas Fofie Manu, Assistant Director of BSDA emphasised the District Assembly’s commitment to partner with other stakeholders to eliminate child labour from the District.

He stressed on the benefits of a child labour free District and called on both public and private institution to help fight against it.

Mr Martinson Amoah Asare from the District Directorate of Education said the impact of child labour on education, enrolment, performance, and development was severe.

He stated some of the causes of child labour which include poverty, ignorance and inadequate parental care among others.

Mr Asare explained the differences between child labour and child work by outlining examples of work that can be done by children to support their parents and also engage in permissible activities after school hours and during vacations to develop skills and experience to help prepare them to be productive in future.

The ILO Field Coordinator for Birim South District, Madam Grace Boakye explained that the celebration of this day provides government, civil society, ILO, social partners, and other relevant stakeholders the opportunity to reinforce their commitment to the fight against child labour.

She indicated that rural and migrant children were at risk of being exploited especially in the agriculture sector.

The District Chief farmer, M.S.W.K Kwakye acknowledged the importance of education and how it had helped him in his chosen field and advised students not to shy away from agriculture since it was a productive venture, but strongly warned that modern trends of agriculture required extinctive education to be successful.

In his closing remarks, the Assistant Director, Mr Nicholas Fofie Manu called on children to help their parents at home but cautioned them to guard against work that had the tendency to affect their morals, academics health and developments.

He stated that education was the key for them to become the bankers, doctors and lawyers in future.

Prizes were awarded to students who took part in the quiz competition that was organised by CAYDNET in collaboration with the District Directorate of Education.

Mount Calvary Academy JHS emerged first, followed by St Agatha Girls JHS and the St Michael Preparatory School in third position.

Awisa Boarding School was fourth, Akim Swedru Methodist JHS, fifth and the Akim Swedru Presbyterian School, sixth.

Source: ISD (Hardi Adama Farida, Akim Swedru)

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