STAKE HOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ON CHILD PROTECTION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AGONA BOBIKUMA ( UPPER).

A stakeholder engagement session was successfully held at Agona Bobikuma (Upper) with the aim of addressing critical issues affecting children and adolescents in the community. The forum brought together various community actors including parents, teachers, traditional leaders, assembly members, religious leaders, school children, and youth groups. The engagement focused on enhancing child protection and improving academic outcomes.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Ending Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy
   Participants explored the root causes of child marriage and teenage pregnancy in the area, including poverty, cultural practices, and lack of education. Stakeholders discussed strategies to raise awareness, strengthen community bylaws, and provide alternative opportunities for adolescent girls, such as vocational training and continued education.

2. Child Protection
   The forum emphasized the rights of children to safety, education, and a supportive environment. Discussions included the importance of reporting abuse, community vigilance, and the role of the Department of Social Welfare, schools, and community leaders in safeguarding children’s well-being.

3. Academic Performance
   The meeting highlighted declining academic performance in the area. Contributing factors such as absenteeism, lack of parental support, inadequate learning resources, and poor supervision at home were discussed. Stakeholders agreed to collectively support initiatives to improve school attendance, introduce extra classes, and engage parents in their children’s education.

Outcomes and Commitments:

• Strengthened collaboration between schools, community leaders, and parents.

• Commitment to enforce community bylaws against child marriage.

• Increased advocacy for girl-child education.

• Plans to organize mentorship programs and health education for adolescents.