For more than six years, Homeland Ghana has engaged directly with school children across communities, listening, learning, and responding to the challenges they face. In 2022, we took our work a step further by launching educational workshops in schools, targeting children aged 9 to 19. These workshops address key issues such as:

• Child rights

• Alcohol use and abuse

• Child marriage

• Teenage pregnancy

Led by dedicated facilitators Wisdom and Sulemana, the sessions have brought important conversations to life and made a lasting impact.

About the School Activities

Wisdom: Alcohol Education in Builsa North

“I lead sessions on alcohol abuse in basic schools in Builsa North, where alcohol is easily accessible and widely used by teens.

Our goal is to educate them on the effects of alcohol abuse so they can make informed choices.”

Sulemana: Promoting Child Rights

“I focus on child rights by teaching children about their fundamental human rights and empowering them to seek help when needed. I also engage parents and caregivers to ensure they understand their responsibilities in protecting children.”

Issues Raised by Students

These sessions reveal the complex realities children face in their homes, schools, and communities:

• Corporal punishment is widely accepted by students as a form of discipline.

• Farm work during school hours disrupts attendance, especially in rural communities.

• Gender roles disproportionately burden girls, who often arrive at school tired from early morning chores.

• Underage alcohol exposure is common — some students are sent to buy alcohol or help sell it at family-owned spots.

• Local laws on alcohol are rarely enforced, leaving children vulnerable.

Favourite Moments from the Field

Sulemana:

“My favourite sessions are the third and fourth, where students learn about the concept of abuse, how to report it, and show appreciation for the information.”

Wisdom:

“The icebreaker activities are always fun; students often ask for more after sessions. I also enjoy it when they playfully act out the behaviour of someone under the influence of alcohol. This has always shown their awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol abuse, but they do not have a safe and appropriate space to discuss these concerns and prevention methods.”

Lessons We’ve Learned

Wisdom:

• Interactive teaching is powerful — even shy students respond when asked specific questions.

• Children often know more than we expect. All they need is a safe, supportive environment to express themselves.

Sulemana:

• Group discussions help children absorb and engage with new ideas.

• A friendly, open atmosphere gives space for quieter students to speak up.

The Way Forward

These workshops remind us that education goes beyond academics — it’s also about creating safe spaces, raising awareness, and empowering children to advocate for themselves and others.

What more do you think can be done to support children facing these challenges?
Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us at info@homelandghana.org. Let’s keep the conversation going.