NCCE Engages Segbale and Wudzedeke Communities on Child Protection and Adolescent Reproductive Health

The District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged residents of Segbale and Wudzedeke on sexual exploitation, child marriage, child labour, human trafficking, and adolescent reproductive health.

The community engagement formed part of efforts to raise awareness on practices that threaten the safety, dignity, and development of children and adolescents. It also sought to encourage parents, community leaders, duty bearers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to protect young people from abuse and exploitation.

Addressing the participants, Mr Christian Ahiawodzi, the District Director of the NCCE, underscored the need for all stakeholders to promote education and protect the rights of children. He said children must be supported to remain in school and given the necessary guidance to make informed decisions about their health, safety, and future.

Mr Ahiawodzi noted that child marriage, sexual exploitation, child labour and trafficking continue to expose many children and adolescents to physical, emotional and psychological harm. He stressed that such practices deny young people the opportunity to grow into healthy, empowered, and productive adults.

He further called for stronger enforcement of laws that protect children, as well as improved access to reproductive health information and services for adolescents. According to him, young people must be equipped with accurate information to help them understand their bodies, avoid risky behaviours and seek help when they face abuse or exploitation.

Mr Ahiawodzi emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility. He urged parents, guardians, traditional authorities, community members, duty bearers, and law enforcement agencies to work hand in hand to curb these menaces and create safer communities for children and adolescents.

He added that when communities protect young people, they contribute directly to local and national development, since children who are safe, educated, and empowered are better positioned to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

The engagement ended with a call on the people of Segbale and Wudzedeke to report suspected cases of child abuse, trafficking, child marriage, and sexual exploitation to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.