Need to Support Child Right Clubs

15-05-2011
The Country Director of Afrikids, a non -governmental organization working in the area of child rights and protection, Nicholas Kumah, has stressed the importance of establishing Child Right clubs (CRCs) in schools. Speaking to Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga, Mr. Kuma said the existing clubs formed in beneficiary school are making tremendous impact on the promotion of the rights of children in the schools where the clubs operate. This, he explained, is evident in the improving relationship between teachers and pupils in schools where CRCs are active and also the difference in academic performance of pupils belonging to CRCs and those who do not belong to the clubs. Mr. Kumah, noted that the clubs form as a platform for developing future leaders as their activities involves debates, quizzes, cultural display as well as essay writing competitions among other educational activities. The formation of the clubs coupled with their activities feed into developing their skills and potentials to take up leadership positions in the future since they serve as agents of change in their communities. He mentioned the Kassena-Nankana East District as one of the major areas that is benefiting tremendously from the creation of the CRCs especially towards the spirit child phenomenon and called on other districts of the Upper East Region to take a cue from that outstanding achievement. In the area of HIV and AIDS awareness, Mr. Kumah said much had been achieved in educating the public on the need to take precautionary measures in curbing the menace, which he indicated has become a worldwide health challenge. He disclosed that the formation of CRCs have been a supporting factor in the operations of Afrikids over the years since they have been able to ensure more enrolment in schools where the activities of CRCs are vigorous, notably the Talensi-Nabdam district where more children have been redrawn from taking part in small scale mining activities in the area to attend school. Mr. Kuma further expressed Afrikids continuous support in fostering unity among school children as they believe in a common goal and work towards its realization. He, however charged all and sundry to commit themselves to the activities of the CRCs and support them in whatever way possible to ensure their sustainability.
GBC END IA/