Saving Children Sold Into Slavery in Ghana

As we begin a new year, the counter-trafficking team at IOM Ghana would like to take the time to thank you for your support and to review some key accomplishments in 2012 and goals for 2013. It is only through continued support from donors such as yourself, that we can rescue, rehabilitate and reintegrate children trafficked into the fishing industry in Ghana. Please also stay tuned for future reports, which will update you on our progress and alert you to 2013 fundraisers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2012

• The 20 children rescued by IOM Ghana in 2011 were regularly monitored and provided with material and financial support for their upkeep and education.
• A six classroom unit block, with a teacher’s common room and a headteacher’s office store was constructed and donated to the Awate-Tornu community in the Volta Region; funding was provided by “Breaking the Chain through Education (BTCTE)” - a non-profit organization in the US. With financial support from the Hilton Foundation, four of the children rescued and re-integrated almost a decade ago will attend Senior High School. Despite their tough early years, these children will now reach the same academic levels of
  their peers.
• Participation in regional, national and inter-agency consultative dialogues on counter-trafficking.
• Research was conducted on cross-border trafficking, including an examination of traffickers and interlocutors. The report is in progress.
• Launch of a fundraising strategy to engage private donors.
• IOM Ghana was one of five organizations recognized by the “Freedom to Walk” campaign.

GOALS FOR 2013

• In 2013, IOM Ghana with funding support from UNICEF will engage and train key community leaders and members in six identified communities in the Volta region, to understand the dangers associated with child trafficking and other child protection issues.
• A tailor made child protection and counter-trafficking toolkit will be created.
• Continued support to rescued children and monitoring their reintegration process.
• Adding to the 2012 classroom project in Awate-Tornu, a teacher’s residence (quarters) is planned for construction, with support from BTCTE.
• Enhanced visibility of the project and strengthened private donor support.

Thank you for your continued support!