Problem of Child Exploitation Highlighted
The Independent (Accra)
April 27, 1999
Posted to the web April 27, 1999
Educational Work of Jehovah's Witnesses
Accra
Jehovah's Witnesses in the country are distributing the April 8, 1999 issue of Awake!, an international newsmagazine that has a series of articles discussing the problems of abuse and exploitation of children.
As part of the educational campaign, the local branch of the Watchtower Society is distributing over 35,000 copies of the magazine countrywide, with copies going to Ministers of State and their deputies, Members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, organizations and institutions that have something to do with children. They include the Ghana National Commission on Children, National Council on Women and Development, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, SOS Children's Village, among others.
A release issued and signed by the Watchtower Society's Public Affairs representative, Mr. Joseph Adu-Gyamfi, in Accra noted: 'For many years the Witnesses have made available information that impacts the lives of people in their communities because they care.'
Many who work in the field of childcare are worried about the grim figures that point to the alarming increases in the number of cases of sexual, physical and mental abuse against children, Mr. Adu-Gyamfi said. He recalled the United Nations Children's Fund's concern at the disturbing trend as noted in its report, The State of the World's Children - 1995, that "unless the investment in children is made, all of humanity's most fundamental long-term problems will remain fundamental long term problems."
He explained that the articles in the Awake! magazine, such as these on children, not only educate our neighbours but help us to see what we need to do as parents to make sure that our children are provided with a stable home environment.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi said the Society will follow up this campaign with the May 22 issue of the magazine, which will examine the plight of children and the resulting impact on our worldwide community. The magazine will explore in depth the topic of child labour.
The April 8 issue of Awake! appeals to parents to be good to their children because a good parent is the most valuable gift their children can have. It submits that it will help the child to have a happy secure childhood. Such security does not depend on social or economic status in life. Children need the love, affection and assurances of their parents when they feel threatened. Besides, they need your time. They want you as a role model and want your loving discipline.
The worldwide educational campaign will be in over 80 languages. In Ghana, there are some 201,000 who associate as part of the Christian community of Jehovah's Witnesses. Witnesses have been active in Ghana for some 75 years.
Excerpts from the April 8, 1999 issue of Awake!
"Parents Can Do Much
"Your being a good parent is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your child, as it will help him have a happy, secure childhood. Such security does not depend on social or economic status in life. Your child needs you - your love and affection, your assurances when he or she feels threatened, and your time. Your child wants to hear your voice telling stories, wants you as a role model, and wants your loving discipline.
"On the subject of sexual morality - parents' conduct, your family relationships with modesty and respect for your children's minds and bodies. Children learn very quickly what actions cross the moral boundaries that parents establish with them. They need to be taught how to conduct themselves both inside and outside the home. If you fail to do this, someone else will do it for you, and you may not like the result. Teach children how to react if they are ever morally threatened. Let them know what their private body parts are for, and teach them that these are not to be violated. Tell them how to react if they are approached by anyone who wants to take advantage of them.
"At all times know where your children are and who is with them. Who are your child's close friends? Who are your child's caregivers during your absence? Can they be trusted? That does not mean, of course, that a parent has to be suspicious of everyone. Make a proper assessment of the adults in your child's life, looking beyond outward appearances."
http://allafrica.com/stories/199904270135.html
Yakki Da
Kent
I need more BOE letters, KMs and other material. Those who can send it to me - please do! The new section will be interesting!!
Daily News On The Watchtower and the Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://watchtower.observer.org