By Doris Yiboe | IOM Ghana Counter Trafficking Field Coordinator
After weeks of sensitization and registration, IOM in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare (DSW)/Community Development (CD) in the Volta Region have rescued a total of 19 out of the targeted 20 trafficked children from 3 communities from April to May 2015. The 19 rescued children are made up of 18 boys and 1 girl who were all trafficked into the fishing sector; specifically into communities along the Volta Lake.
The children are between ages 8 to 17 years including siblings. On the average, they have been trafficked for 2 months to 10 years. During the time of their experiences, some of them worked from dawn till late in the night (up till midnight) amidst being fed with non-nutritional foods twice a day. Most of them were denied education even though a few of them have been to school before.
They are currently being rehabilitated at a Child Protection Centre in Accra. During an initial medical screening, it was determined that a few of the children; about 6, have blood in their urine (Bilharzia). This is usually caused by some bacteria in the lake. Further treatment will be given during a further medical screening during the rehabilitation process. One of them also have some skin infection (eczema) which if quite infectious but is receiving first aid to avoid its spread while waiting further medical screening and treatment. Thanks to the generous support from donors like you, the children are currently happy and comfortable at the rehabilitation Centre and look forward to a bright future.
The team is in the process of rescuing the remaining 1 child by end of May 2015 to make up for the targeted number.
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