By Emelia B. Addae, GNA
Koforidua, April 04, GNA – Plan International Ghana has organised a close-out ceremony for its “Be Smart, Learn, and Stay Protected” project, showcasing its achievements and outcomes through an insightful panel discussion with adolescent beneficiaries.
The ceremony, themed: “Empowered Girls Learn and Stay Protected from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV),” convened stakeholders and representatives from 20 beneficiary communities across the Eastern and Oti regions in Koforidua.
Key stakeholders in attendance included the Ghana Education Service, Social Welfare Department, and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).
Mr Bless Kofi Vieku, Project Manager for the initiative, explained that the project ran in two phases: the first from February 2021 to January 2023, and the second from February 2023 to January 2025. Funding for the project was provided by Nivea through Plan International’s German National Office.
The project aimed to empower adolescent girls by strengthening their ability to exercise their rights to education and protection against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
To achieve this, the initiative established and reinforced community-based child protection mechanisms, trained community leaders as change champions, and created adolescent-friendly centers and clubs.
Peer educators also conducted outreach programs, offering vulnerable girls’ reusable sanitary pads.
Mr Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana, emphasised that the project reflects the organisation’s theory of change, not only centering adolescent girls, but also fostering an environment that protects them from harm and supports their aspirations.
Community child protection committees were empowered to ensure that SGBV is no longer a silent epidemic.
Mr Tchona acknowledged challenges faced during the project, particularly regarding out-of-school girls, who are among the most vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
However, he noted that the initiative took significant strides to ensure no girl was left behind.
Through apprenticeship opportunities, start-up kits, and entrepreneurship training, the project equipped girls with valuable skills, enabling them to shape their futures.
He urged community members to sustain the momentum of the project by continuing to support girls, creating safer spaces, and advocating for children’s rights especially girls’ rights.
Ms Deborah, a Peer Educator and Form Three Junior High School (JHS) student at M/A JHS in the Jasikan District, shared her experience, highlighting how the project boosted her confidence in reporting uncomfortable situations to the established child protection committees.
GNA