By Patience Gbeze
Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – Chance for Childhood (CfC), an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, has won the prestigious Safeguarding Children’s Data Award at the 2026 PICCASO Awards Africa, held during the Data Protection Africa Summit in Lagos, Nigeria.
The organisation emerged winner in a competitive category after being shortlisted alongside MTN Nigeria, Save the Children Nigeria and an individual nominee, according to a statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency.
The award recognises CfC’s commitment to responsible data management, child safeguarding and ethical digital innovation across Africa through its flagship Disability Detect App.
Developed to support the early identification of disabilities and additional learning needs among children aged three to 17 years, Disability Detect enables teachers and other authorised users to conduct observational screenings, identify potential learning difficulties and facilitate timely referrals for appropriate learning support.
The innovation addresses a critical challenge in inclusive education, particularly in low-resource settings where many children with disabilities and additional learning needs remain unidentified and unsupported.
Beyond improving access to inclusive education, the application incorporates robust data protection and safeguarding measures designed to protect children’s sensitive personal information, promote confidentiality, and ensure responsible data handling.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr Richard O. Opoku, Ghana Country Representative and Global Safeguarding Lead of Chance for Childhood, described the recognition as a significant milestone in the organisation’s commitment to child-centred digital innovation.
“This award is a testament to our belief that innovation must never come at the expense of children’s safety, dignity and privacy. Through Disability Detect, we are demonstrating that technology can advance disability inclusion while protecting the sensitive personal information of children.
“Every child deserves access to appropriate learning support without compromising their fundamental right to privacy,” Mr Opoku said.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising children’s data protection as digital technologies become increasingly integrated into education and child development programmes.
“As organisations increasingly embrace digital solutions, we must recognise that safeguarding children extends beyond physical protection to include their safety in the digital environment. This recognition strengthens our resolve to champion ethical, inclusive and responsible technology that puts children first,” he added.
The award adds to the growing recognition of Disability Detect as an innovative solution that advances early identification and inclusive learning opportunities for children with disabilities and additional learning needs.
The awards were organised by the Africa Digital Rights Hub (ADRH) in partnership with PICCASO, a United Kingdom-based privacy, information security and compliance organisation, as part of the 2026 Data Protection Africa Summit.
The summit was organised by ADRH in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah