The Smile Ghana Project (SGP) recently organized a child labour sensitization workshop for school children to educate them on the meaning and effects of child labour. The workshop was aimed at providing the children with the knowledge to identify and report incidents of child labour and child trafficking.

The SGP Field officer Mr Akrugu Kwame introduced the Smile Ghana Project and the purpose of the workshop to the entire school children. During the workshop, the pupils were taken through a series of sessions which included understanding the meaning of child labour, what constitutes child labour, the various forms of child labour, and the effects of child labour. They also learned about child work, light work and the difference between child labour and child work.

After the workshop, the pupils could differentiate between the various forms of child labour and the risks involved. Before the workshop, most of the pupils believed that child labour was not a crime because they thought they could do all forms of work to help their parents. However, they now understand that child labour is prohibited by Ghana’s constitution and the Children’s Act, of 1998.

The SGP Staff advised the entire children to report any incidence of child labour and child trafficking to the CCPC members for immediate action. The pupils were also able to note the various points for identifying child labour in all forms.

The Smile Ghana Project's efforts in organizing this workshop have contributed to the fight against child labour and child trafficking in Ghana. By educating young children, we are creating a future generation that is aware of their rights who are willing to fight against child labour.