Juaso (Ash), Sept 22, GNA - Children's Rights International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment and three district assemblies have rescued 360 children from child labour in cocoa growing areas. Out of the number, 236 have chosen to go to school with the remaining 124 opting to learn various trades of their choices.

The children were rescued under the National Programme for Elimination of worst forms of child labour in cocoa (NPECLC) which is being piloted in Asante Akim District in the Ashanti Region, Kwaebibrem and Suhum Kraboa Coltar district both in the Eastern Region. Mr. Bright Appiah, President of Child Rights International (CRI), said this at a ceremony to hand over school uniforms, foot wear and exercise books to the Asante Akim South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Abdul Karim Boakye-Yiadom, to be distributed to 90 rescued children in the district at Juaso on Friday.

Mrs. Rita Amankwaah, National Co-ordinator of NPECLE, said a survey conducted by the programme in cocoa growing areas showed 92 percent school attendance but 54 percent of the pupils could not read and write. She said the survey also revealed that most teachers engaged pupils in all sorts that affected their academic performance and called on such teachers to refrain from the practice.

Mr. Boakye-Yiadom said the assembly had been pivotal in the implementation of the programme in the district with the institution of a 15-member District Child Protection Committee to steer the programme effectively.

He said workshops and sensitization programmes had been organised for Community Child Protection Committees in the 10 communities as well as executives of Child Rights Clubs in schools in the district.