The Executive Director of J Initiative, a leading child centred NGO, Mrs. Awo Aidam Amenyah, has paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Dr Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, Ambassador of Ghana to the United States of America (USA).
The visit which coincided with the International Women’s Day 2018 celebration was used to discuss issues relating to the socio-economic development of children and young people of Ghana.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Adjei-Barwuah said stakeholders especially the home and school have a lot to do for children and young people in achieving the world they wish to see.
” This may not be achieved overnight but at least when others are seen to be advancing at a faster rate, we can afford to leapfrog”, he added.
Dr Adjei-Barwuah noted that digital literacy and safety in addition to the socialization of young people to appreciate their responsibility towards themselves, their families and the nation would go a long way to achieving the President’s mission of hitting the ground running.
Touching on Menstrual Hygiene Management back home, the diplomat believes life begins from menarche and in essence proper menstrual hygiene management should be of utmost priority to every development oriented policy maker.
Dr Adjei-Barwuah used the opportunity to commend Mrs Amenyah and her team at J Initiative for their pioneering efforts on child online protection in Ghana.
On her part, Mrs Amenyah thanked the Ambassador for allowing her to brief him on the work of J Initiative and issues on the development of children and young people in Ghana.
She said: “At J Initiative, we envisage the world where children and young people especially girls have the best of welfare. Seeing a safe cyberspace where children and young people are empowered to navigate their way in the digital space and a world where feminine product for menstruation is considered ESSENTIAL rather than luxury.”
“Research shows stigma and cost account for absenteeism and low self-esteem of girls. Our children just like any part of the world are confronted with all kinds of issues including, child abuse imagery, inappropriate content and addiction to technology which is in itself not accidental but having serious effect on their socialization and how the society is wired.
“These and many are the interventions we set out to carry out to bring about change as an organization. We have learnt over the years that improving the lives of children and young people especially girls means we need to provide them with the best environment for nurturing and growth, Mrs Amenyah told the Ambassador.
Source: African Eye Report
