On April 17, 2026, Safe-Child Advocacy (SCA) marked the International Day for Street Children with a powerful workshop in Kumasi. The event took place at the Pavilion of St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica and gathered about 120 young girls and mothers who live and work on the streets of Kumasi. Many of these participants have faced poverty, neglect, abuse, and other challenges that deny them their fundamental rights.
The workshop was designed to educate participants about their rights and responsibilities, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and seek support when confronted with danger. Facilitated by the rehabilitation unit of the organization SCA, the session combined learning with creative expression.
Through drama, participants vividly portrayed the daily struggles they face, including sexual and physical abuse, forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. These performances highlighted the urgent need for protection and advocacy.
This year’s International Day celebration centered on the theme “Protect: Not Punish”. Participants were introduced to the slogan “Protect me, don’t punish me”, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children rather than criminalizing them.
SCA emphasized that whenever participants encounter threatening situations, they should seek help from social welfare services, Safe-Child Advocacy, or the police. The organization also encouraged them to prioritize safety, avoid harmful practices, and pursue opportunities such as skills training or formal education to secure a brighter future.
The workshop concluded with a call to action: participants were urged to save money, invest in their children’s education, and view their current circumstances not as a permanent state but as a challenge to overcome. SCA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting street-connected children and mothers, helping them build resilience and strive for better opportunities.
Safe-Child Advocacy continues to stand with children in street situations, working tirelessly to ensure that every child is protected, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive and build a better future.
