By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), Sept. 5, GNA – Ms Roberta Donkor, a Child Protection Officer with Friends of Adaklu (FoA), has advised parents to cultivate a culture of intimacy with their children to build trust and confidence and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
She said strong parent-child relationships would help children feel comfortable discussing their concerns, needs, and experiences with their parents.
Ms Donkor gave the advice during a fun game organised by FoA for its beneficiaries at Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu District.
About 100 beneficiaries from Adaklu Kodzobi, Adaklu Vodze and Kodzobi Ando participated in the games, which included football, sack race, musical chairs, ampe, lemon-and-spoon and dancing competitions.
Ms Donkor urged parents to protect children from all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional and verbal abuse.
“Let the children feel that they are always loved, protected, safe and secure,” she said.
The Child Protection Officer asked parents to closely observe and monitor their children and regularly engage them to understand their conditions and needs.
She also advised the children not to hesitate to report cases of abuse to their parents or members of their Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs).
She urged them to make judicious use of their leisure time, adding, “make your books your best companions.”
Ms Donkor further entreated the children to be obedient and respectful at home and school and assist their parents with household chores.
She reminded CCPC members that although their work was voluntary, “it is very crucial as it hinges on the protection and safety of children in their communities.”
FoA is a health and education non-profit organisation dedicated to improving living standards, empowering communities and breaking the cycle of poverty in resource-strapped communities in the Adaklu District.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu