By Emelia B. Addae, GNA
Koforidua, Sept. 27, GNA – The Department of Social Welfare has trained 33 daycare attendants and school caregivers to improve childcare standards and strengthen the protection of children in the Eastern Region.
The nine-week programme combined classroom lessons with practical training to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and quality care for children.
Mr Isaac Koramoah Asante, the Eastern Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, told the Ghana News Agency that the training was required under the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).
He explained that Sections 115 to 120 of the Act mandated the Department to license, regulate and inspect daycare centres to protect the welfare and development of children.
Mr Asante said the training was open to all caregivers and parents interested in improving their childcare skills.
However, daycare attendants and caregivers working in schools remained the main target group.
The participants completed six weeks of classroom lessons and three weeks of practical work in selected schools.
During the classroom sessions, they studied child development principles, first aid, emergency management and laws governing child protection.
Headteachers monitored the participants during the practical sessions.
Officers from the Department also visited the schools to assess how they applied the knowledge and skills acquired.
Mr Asante described the programme as a “purely practical-based course,” designed to give caregivers the competencies required to care for and protect children properly.
He said effective training was important because daycare attendants were responsible for children during a critical stage of their growth and development.
Ms Elorm Amudzi, one of the graduands, described the training as educative and engaging.
She said operating a daycare centre involved more than teaching children.
“It is about creating a home away from home for children,” she emphasised.
Ms Amudzi encouraged teachers and other caregivers working in daycare centres to participate in similar programmes.
She indicated that the training provided valuable lessons on child development and helped caregivers understand effective and appropriate ways of handling children.
The Eastern Regional Directorate of the Department organised the graduation ceremony in Koforidua after the participants successfully completed both stages of the programme.
GNA
Editing by D.I. Laary/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
Email: [email protected]