Anaji (W/R), July 11, GNA - Mr John Hackman, Senior Regional Coordinator of the Department of Children, in-charge of the Western Region, on Monday said the broad goal of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy was to promote the survival, growth and development of all children from zero to eight years. He was speaking at the fifth anniversary celebration and speech and prize-giving day of Mary Parham International School at Mpatado, Anaji near Takoradi.

Mr Hackman said in furtherance of this goal, the government would continue to take measures to improve the standard of living and quality of life of families in order to enhance the welfare of children. He said the government would continue to pursue policies and programmes to reduce poverty in the country in order to enhance the welfare of children.

Mr Hackman said despite the effort of government to ensure the survival and development of children, one third of kids of school-going age were not in school.

He said more than one million children engage in hazardous child labour in the country, while others make a living on the street, adding that this state of affairs was due to parental irresponsibility, broken homes, unplanned family size and peer pressure. He advised parents and guardians to exercise proper supervision over their wards to protect them from negative influences and urged parents provide their needs.