Link Community Development (LCD), a Non-profit Organization, focused on improving teaching and learning as well as improving the lives of vulnerable groups in rural areas, has sensitized parents on the need for girls to have access to free and fair education, and their rights to participate in decision-making.
Speaking at a sensitization program to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, Safe-Gaurd Lead for Link Community Development, Samuel Ofori Boakye, underscored the importance of inclusion rights and education amongst girls.
He observed that parents especially those in rural communities still found it difficult to engage girls in decision-making at the family level.
According to him, “Parents, majority of them still think it is wrong to involve girls on family discussion or issues that might tend to affect their upbringing.”
“We will advocate for financial investments and for truly inclusive development that recognizes girls’ needs. Girls are using their voices to shape the future hence as an organization we will boldly demand action against discrimination, violence, and poor learning opportunities.” He added.
Going forward, Mr. Boakye noted that, “We will be working with communities and supporting all beneficiaries to amplify their voices and stand up for their rights to be safe to live free from gender-based violence, harmful practices; learn new skills (vocational and life skills) towards careers of their choices and continue to advocate for their rights.”
He further reassured parents of the existence and continuous operation of Strategic Approach to Girls’ Education (STAGE), a project launched by LCD in 2019.
The Project, according to Mr. Boakye, has enrolled a total number of 2,461 learners that were undergoing the formal track transition.
A representative from the Ghana Education Service (GES), Atinga Elizabeth, also used the occasion to call on traditional leaders as well as teachers to show concern towards girls who sometimes might express issues concerning their reproductive health.
Link Community Development, in partnership with the World Education Incorporated (WEI) and sponsored by UKAID celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child at some selected communities in the Upper East Region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah/Ghana
