Authorities of the Ando-Nyamanu Roman Catholic Primary School in the Chereponi District of the North East Region have commended the Child and Vulnerable Protection Project for helping to increase enrolment in the school.
They gave the commendation at a community durbar on protection and development of children at Nyamanu in the district.
The durbar, which brought together various stakeholders in the district, was organised by the Catholic Diocese of Yendi as part of the Child and Vulnerable Protection Project.
The Child and Vulnerable Protection Project was launched early this year with funding support from Kindermissionwerk, a German Catholic funding agency, and aimed at reaching out to about 2,250 vulnerable children in 13 basic schools within the Catholic Diocese of Yendi.
It was also intended to create awareness on the negative phenomenon of child abuse and its impact on the growth and development of children through the formation of child protection clubs in selected schools.
Madam Kotei Kate, Headmistress of the Ando-Nyamanu Roman Catholic Primary School, who gave the commendation during the durbar, said the project had helped to minimise school drop-out amongst pupils of the school thereby increasing enrolment.
Madam Kate said, “Our student population before the implementation of this project was around 400 students but now we have a total population of 670 students.”
She added that the students were now punctual to school and at other academic activities and thereby improving their academic performance.
Mr David Yiridong Issaka, Project Advisor, Child and Vulnerable Protection Project, who made a presentation during the event, called for measures to guarantee the safety and protection of children.
He said global trends such as climate change, migration and urbanisation were all increasing children’s vulnerability, hence the need for government and other stakeholders to prioritise investing in their safety.
He said, “We must strive for a world where children can grow up safely in their families and be free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.”
Mr Issaka announced that the project had facilitated the formation of Child Rights Clubs in selected schools, training of patrons, documentation and publication of the Diocesan Child Protection Policy, and training of diocesan stakeholders on child protection, among others.
He called for collaboration between relevant stakeholders to improve the quality of life for children and other vulnerable adults.
Miss Thompson Sandra Amana, member of the Child Rights Club at Ando-Nyamanu Roman Catholic Primary School, commended the Catholic Diocese of Yendi for the initiative, and said it had helped to build her confidence and self-esteem to pursue her academic goals.
