AfriKids' One Child at a Time policy creates long term change for the poorest children in northern Ghana. Our approach provides tailored packages of support to children, ensuring they; attend full time school, as opposed to working in dangerous child labour activities; live securely in their family home, as opposed to resorting to living on the streets; are safe and free from abuse, instead of living with the risk of being trafficked and; most importantly have the chance to build a secure future
In the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana, 88% of the population live in poverty and 73% of children in school also work in child labor. Many children end up living and working on the streets, being trafficked to the south of the country, or working in dangerous child labor activities. AfriKids supports the most vulnerable and poorest children in the region giving them new opportunities and security.
Our One Child at a Time approach supports children most at risk. Children are identified through a network of key local partners including local chiefs, the Ghana Education Service and AfriKids' staff. Our staff carry out home visits to assess the needs of individual families and children and develop a tailored care package that meets the needs of the child and their family. AfriKids staff visit children twice a month for 4-5 years to ensure children are thriving and living securely.
Effectively combating child poverty requires holistic support, working not only with the child, but their family, their community and the wider environment. One Child at a Time is not a quick fix, but it works, and, more importantly it lasts. This approach supports the poorest children living in the UER of Ghana for a period of 4-5 years. Such long term support ensures poverty and hunger don't become stumbling blocks to educational attainment and enables children to build secure futures.
