Ghana School, Regional Association Host Pioneering Child Protection Workshop

Lincoln Community School (LCS) and the Association for International Schools in Africa (AISA) recently hosted a Child Protection Workshop on the school’s campus in Accra, Ghana. The workshop brought together representatives from international schools across Africa as well as experts, children’s rights advocates, and social workers from the USA, UK, Ethiopia and more. Together, the group succeeded in creating a module of resources to promote Child Protection Programs in all AISA schools.

The workshop began with an entertaining and educational performance by Obaale Dance Group. The 20-minute performance told a story through dance and song about child protection. Students from Grades 1 and 2 helped out with the performance by singing along to the music and chanting. Workshop participants and guests from the local community then heard welcoming remarks by LCS’s Dr. Dennis Larkin and opening lectures by facilitators Anthony Rizzuto and Lois Engelbrecht.

Dr. Rizzuto presented his expertise and years of work in psychology, and advocacy—in private practice, as well as with the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston following a significant scandal in 2002. Dr. Engelbrecht, founder and board member of the Center for the Prevention of Child Sex Abuse in Quezon City, Philippines presented her work and outstanding expertise in international social services and child protection advocacy and program development working with local and international schools across Asia.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Child Rights Abuse Network (CRAN), Plan International, the U.S. Embassy, Ghana International School, a board member of SOS International, as well as local psychologists, advocates, educators, and members of the media.

After opening remarks and discussion, the attendees got straight to work. Over the next three days, the 16-member team consisting of counselors, administrators, heads of schools, nurses, and teachers developed a framework for a Child Protection Program Guide. When completed, the program guide will include lesson modules pre-K-12; teacher training suggestions and curriculum resources; administrative guideline policies, procedures and reporting protocols; as well as parent programs adaptable for specific school settings and age groups.

“I am amazed by the work that we have been able to get done,” said Kate Kersey of the International School of Tanganika in Tanzania: “I am very proud of what we have done. It is ground breaking and we are leading the way [for education] in Africa. I cannot believe we got it all done!”

The workshop also allowed the participants to discuss ideas, concerns, and values specific to the international school community throughout Africa. When Drs. Rizzuto and Engelbrecht stressed the importance of community when it comes to child safety and protection, the workshop worked to develop ideas of how to connect international schools in Africa to resources and agencies, and to ensure compliance with the laws of host countries. Reducing the isolation of international schools formed a major topic of conversation for the group.

“You have a school with a western mentality, western principles in education. The environment is different. So it is a matter of trying to get the two [environments] together and trying to make the best out of it,” said Tania Ribeiro of the American International School of Mozambique. By the last day, individuals were excited to share the ideas and action plans they are taking back with them to their school. Everyone expressed a strong commitment to continue the group’s work, and to compel international schools to implement a comprehensive Child Protection Program and engage in outreach to their host community.

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