In an earnest effort to combat the pressing issue of streetism within the Bekwai Municipality, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (SWCD) orchestrated a community education program on Wednesday, August 30th, 2023, at Poano. The initiative was spearheaded by a dedicated team of SWCD officers, including Mary Pokuaa Ofori, Vivian Appiah Kwabi, Ebenezer Atta Mensah, Ruth Adutwumwaa, and Emmanuel Agyare.
Streetism, a socio-economic phenomenon prevalent in urban areas, particularly in developing countries like Ghana, has long plagued communities, leaving vulnerable children and youth susceptible to exploitation, abuse, and limited access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
The event at Poano served as a pivotal platform to raise awareness and provide crucial education on the multifaceted issues surrounding streetism. Through a series of engaging workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions, community members were enlightened about the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to address this complex social problem.
Mary Pokuaa Ofori, one of the SWCD officers leading the initiative, emphasized the importance of community involvement and collective action in combating streetism. "By coming together as a community, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable children and youth," she asserted.
Vivian Appiah Kwabi, another SWCD officer involved in the program, underscored the significance of education as a fundamental tool in breaking the cycle of streetism. "Education empowers individuals and opens doors to opportunities that can lead to a brighter future," she remarked.
Ebenezer Atta Mensah, Ruth Adutwumwaa, and Emmanuel Agyare, also actively engaged in the event, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for holistic interventions that address not only the immediate needs of street-connected individuals but also the underlying factors that perpetuate their marginalization.
The community education program received positive feedback from attendees, who expressed gratitude for the invaluable insights gained and pledged their commitment to support initiatives aimed at mitigating streetism in the Bekwai Municipality.
As the sun set on Poano that evening, hope lingered in the air—a testament to the unwavering resolve of communities to confront adversity head-on and strive for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, unburdened by the harsh realities of life on the streets.
In the wake of this successful initiative, the Bekwai Municipal Assembly and the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development affirmed their commitment to sustaining efforts to address streetism, recognizing that lasting change requires ongoing dedication, collaboration, and resilience.
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