Accra, Aug. 31, GNA – The Ghana Scout Association (GSA) has intensified efforts to strengthen the protection, participation and empowerment of young people as part of measures to create safer environments for youth development and leadership.
The initiative formed the basis of a three-day Safe from Harm Capacity Enhancement Training held in Accra for Youth Advisors and Regional Safe from Harm Coordinators from across the Association.
The programme, sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) through its Messengers of Peace initiative, was organised under the GSA’s Safe from “Harm Capacity Enhancement Project.”
The training focused on equipping leaders with the knowledge and practical skills required to identify risks, prevent abuse and respond appropriately to concerns involving young people.
The Association, in a communique at the end of the training, said effective safeguarding must extend beyond responding to incidents, requiring systems and leadership structures capable of identifying potential risks early and creating an environment where young people feel secure and confident to speak up.
It said the responsibility for safeguarding should be shared across the organisation, particularly because Scouting involves young people in camps, training programmes, community activities and leadership engagements.
A key component of the initiative was the involvement of Youth Advisors in safeguarding structures, reflecting an approach that recognises young people as active participants in decisions affecting their welfare and development.
The Association noted that creating safe spaces also required young people to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their age, background, ability or experience.
The GSA said young people were more likely to develop confidence and leadership skills when they knew their views were valued and they could raise concerns without fear of exclusion, discrimination or humiliation.
The empowerment component of the programme sought to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, skills and opportunities to make responsible decisions and assume leadership roles, it added.
The approach also encourages young people to contribute to identifying risks, developing solutions and promoting safer communities, rather than viewing them solely as beneficiaries requiring protection.
The training was led by Mr Eric Mwenda Gitonga, a WOSM Consultant from Kenya, with support from Mr Prince Akese, National Safe from Harm Coordinator, Mr Shaibu Fenteduah Fuseini, National Youth Programme Commissioner and Holly Boadi, National Training Commissioner.
Amina Alhassan Jerry Saliss, Chairperson of the National Youth Advisors, and Mohammed Ganiu Abdul, Vice Chairperson of the Youth Advisors, also participated in the programme.
Mr Hilary Yaw Awusie, Chief Commissioner of the GSA, hosted the training with Mr Seth Kojo Eyiah, Deputy Chief Commissioner.
The Association said the effectiveness of the initiative would ultimately depend on translating the training into everyday practice at Scout meetings, camps, training sessions and community activities nationwide.
It said sustained commitment to safeguarding, meaningful youth participation and leadership development would help create a Scouting environment where young people could develop the confidence, discipline and sense of responsibility required to contribute to national development.
The GSA said its focus on making young people protected, respected and empowered represented not only a safeguarding responsibility but also an investment in developing responsible future leaders.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
