The Minister for Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reintegrating vulnerable children into society through skills training and inclusive education.
During a visit to the Father Campbell Foundation in Weija; one of the key implementing centres under the Ghana Education Outcomes Project (GEOP); Mr Iddrisu assured learners that the Ministry of Education would continue to support them beyond training.
“We will not abandon you. Through apprenticeship and vocational training, the Ministry will support you to become independent and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
The Foundation currently caters to 170 out-of-school youth, many of whom have lived on the streets. These learners undergo a six- to nine-month accelerated programme in literacy and numeracy, followed by certified, competency-based training in skills aligned with their interests.
The Minister pledged to provide the necessary infrastructure to expand the programme’s intake from 170 to 1,000 children.
“Father Campbell’s selfless work is restoring dignity and giving hope to children society once ignored. These are the kinds of interventions that demonstrate the power of compassion combined with structure. As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting this vision,” Mr Iddrisu added.
He also praised Rev. Father Andrew Campbell and his team for their unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of street-connected children through education, care, and shelter.
GEOP, supported by the World Bank and other development partners, is a results-based education initiative aimed at reintegrating out-of-school youth aged 15 to 18 into productive pathways.
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Several learners shared emotional stories of their experiences living on the streets and expressed gratitude for the opportunities, care, and sense of purpose the Foundation has given them.
With support from trained social workers, educators, and healthcare professionals, the Father Campbell Foundation provides holistic care that meets the educational, emotional, and social needs of its learners.
The Ministry of Education has reiterated its plan to scale up similar interventions across the country to ensure that vulnerable children, regardless of background, have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
