Agotime-Ziope NCCE Calls on Parents and Teachers to Protect Children from Abuse and Exploitation

The Agotime-Ziope District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on parents, teachers, duty bearers, law enforcement agencies and community members to work together to protect children and adolescents from abuse, exploitation and harmful social practices.

The call was made during an engagement with members of the Parent Teacher Associations of Mangoase Basic School and Takuve Basic School at their respective school premises.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Charles Osborne Akpordor, a Civic Education Officer of the NCCE, educated parents and teachers on sexual exploitation, child marriage, child labour, child trafficking and adolescent reproductive health. He noted that these issues remain serious threats to the rights, dignity, education and general well-being of children and adolescents in communities.

Mr. Akpordor explained that when children are exposed to abuse, exploitation, early marriage, trafficking or forced labour, their future development is greatly affected. He said such practices deny children the opportunity to enjoy their rights, stay in school and grow into responsible and productive adults.

He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare of their children by monitoring their movements, guiding their behaviour, encouraging regular school attendance and creating a safe environment at home. He also encouraged teachers to remain vigilant and report signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.

Speaking on adolescent reproductive health, Mr. Akpordor advised parents to communicate openly and responsibly with their children on issues affecting their growth, safety and well-being. He emphasized that proper guidance and accurate information can help adolescents make responsible decisions and avoid situations that may expose them to teenage pregnancy, abuse or exploitation.

The Agotime-Ziope NCCE further called for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers, traditional authorities, law enforcement agencies and other duty bearers to eradicate these menaces from communities.

Mr. Akpordor stressed that protecting children is a shared responsibility, adding that when communities work together to safeguard the rights and welfare of children, it contributes to raising healthy, confident and productive young people who can support community and national development.