Community Volunteers Promote Child Wellbeing and Protection in Kadjebi
By Vivian Adu, Communications Officer
A group of dedicated volunteers is spearheading vital lessons on child wellbeing and protection for caregivers in Titiaka, a rural community in the Kadjebi District of Ghana’s Oti Region.
As part of the Nurturing Care Groups (NCGs) initiative by World Vision Ghana, trained community volunteers are delivering their fourth session of structured, peer-led education to local caregivers, with the aim of improving household-level care and protection for children.
These sessions are held fortnightly and are designed to drive lasting behavioural change through accessible, grassroots teaching.
The NCG model centres on small groups of caregivers who regularly meet with volunteers to discuss practical topics including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), early childhood development, and child protection.
Using a peer-to-peer approach, the sessions encourage open dialogue and mutual support, helping families to adopt and maintain healthier practices at home.
“This approach ensures that information is not only shared but truly understood and integrated into daily life. By meeting regularly, we can reinforce key messages and respond to the specific needs and experiences of each household,” one of the NCG volunteers noted.
Evidence from the implementation of NCGs shows that this approach is particularly effective in promoting improved hygiene behaviours and enhanced child protection practices. The model's emphasis on community ownership and repetition has proven crucial for achieving widespread and sustainable impact.
As the programme continues to expand across the region, it is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the link between traditional community knowledge and the use of formal health services, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for children and families alike.
