Tony Fofie Child Development Fund Launched To Support Education

Mondelez International Cocoa Life and Child Rights International has taken a giant step by launching an initiative dubbed: “Tony Fofie Child Development Fund”.

This gallant initiative is aimed at providing direct financial assistance and educational opportunities to children in cocoa growing communities.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD Mr. Anthony Fofie, further hinted that, the fund will also help build the capacity of children, support them to pursue higher academic laurels.

And also, equip the youth with skills for livelihoods through apprenticeship and empowerment.

This would also, help them have interests in cocoa farming in order to produce quality cocoa for the global market.

This he said, Mondelez and Child Rights International are contributing their quota not only by identifying children in the worst forms of child labour.

But they are also, putting in place necessary measures to ensure they have access to their basic rights in a safe and sound environment.

“It must be recognized that reducing or eradicating child labour goes in tandem with strengthening child protection systems to ensure that these children are re-integrated into society and free from any form of exploitation or abuse”, he added.

The Country Lead, of Mondelez International Cocoa Life, Yaa Peprah Amekudzi, explained that Fund was named after a Ghanaian who spent all his working life in a quest to improve the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa supply chain.

“Though the Fund is being initiated by Mondelez International Cocoa Life and designed by partnership, the Fund is independent of Mondelez International and it is being managed by Child Rights International, a credible Ghanaian NGO of international repute,” she added.

According to her, the Fund is developed based on commitment to ensure children’s right to education is realized.

More so, the Fund will take steps preserve the dignity and privacy of children.
And also, ensure that children are not subject to physical, emotional or sexual abuses.

By: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/NewsGhana.com.Gh

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