Yeji (B/A), April 16, GNA - Mission of Hope for Society Foundation, a child rights advocacy Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has rescued a total of 230 children engaged in various forms of child labour in the Pru district of Brong Ahafo. The NGO has enrolled them in basic and vocational institutions to acquire functional and basic skills.

Mr. Gabriel Benarkuu, Executive Director of the NGO disclosed this at the launch of a democratic voting exercise dubbed "World Children Prize on the Rights of the Child", at separate ceremonies at Kintampo and Yeji. He explained that the exercise was an international children's programme that "educates, trains and supports children aged between 9 and 17 towards the exercise of their voting rights when they become adults".

Mr Benarku said the programme also promoted child rights and responsibilities, democratic principles, global friendship and science education among female children. He added that the Mission of Hope was developing a strategic plan for five districts and a municipality in the region where children were engaged in worst forms of child labour in fishing, mining and commercial agriculture. The districts are Kintampo North and South, Jaman North, Asutifi, Pru and Techiman municipality. Mr Benarku commended the International Labour Organisation for its continued support for the elimination of child labour in the country.