Standing Together Against Child Abuse and Neglect (STACAN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Ghana and United Kingdom is set to address issues of child abuse and neglect with focus on promoting the general wellbeing of children in Ghana.
The Organisation also carry out its work by collaborating with individuals and groups with similar interests to address peculiar issues faced by children and young people in society.
Madam Elsie Owusu-Kumi, a UK-based Child Protection Social Worker and Founder of STACAN in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) disclosed that their works with support of friends working with children in various capacities took the form of outreach including workshops, training, community work, and work with individuals and groups.
“We seek to educate and empower by creating an awareness of what constitute Child Abuse and neglect, and equipping parents, careers, professionals and individuals who are involved in meeting the care needs of children, with the skills and knowledge needed.”
She said peculiar issues STACAN sought to touch on included Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), sexual abuse and rape of children, child marriage, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), abuse linked to faith, internet safety, child labour, children branded as witches, domestic violence and abuse and the impact on children, child trafficking, mental health and wellbeing of children.
Madam Owusu-Kumi said although the Organisation acknowledged that Child Abuse covered a broad area, a primary concentration would be child sexual abuse and rape.
She said they aimed to liaise with policy makers and decision makers at both the local and national level to influence decisions made about the rights and wellbeing of children.
The Founder said the Organisation in UK; STACAN UK also sought to work with African communities to protect and safeguard children from abuse and harm.
She said “we aim to promote the best interests of the child in all our activities and our stance is that culture and religion should never be a reason to abuse children.”
“Research also evidences that there is overrepresentation of Black children in the Care System here in the UK. Our outreach work in the UK therefore aims to empower parents and impact knowledge so parents are aware of issues around child abuse and neglect and the thresholds in the UK.
“This is to ensure we reduce the number of children from African descent who find themselves in the Care System.”
Madam Owusu-Kumi said STACAN’s work was guided by key legislations and human rights treaties such as The United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which was devoted to the best interests of the child, and sets out rights that must be realised for children to develop their full potential.
She said STACAN was set to hold a programme in Ghana on the theme: “Promoting the wellbeing of Children: Preventing Abuse and Neglect,” which would see speakers including; Oheneyere Gifty Anti, Women and Children’s Rights Advocate, Mr Elvis Bawa Sadongo, a Police Superintendent, and Mrs Joan Nyampong Ellis, Legal practitioner and Country Rep for STACAN.
Others include; Mr Joseph Adom Junior, Child Protection Consultant, Mrs Serwah Quaynor, Founder and Executive Director of Autism Awareness Care & Training (AACT), and Mrs Agnes Wiafe, CEO of Pazito Radio, UK.
