Eugenia’s Journey: From Courage to Change for Children’s Rights

By, Daniel Amponsah Kwarteng (CESP Officer – Agortime AP)

Eugenia, 16, leads the Eagle Kids Club in Afokpui and dreams of becoming a voice for change in her community. Through the Agotime-Ziope Area Programme, she gained training in public speaking, child rights, and protection, giving her the courage to stand up against violence.

One moment that defines her bravery: in Junior High, Eugenia helped rescue a 12-year-old girl from a potential rape after suspecting foul play and choosing to intervene.

“I stayed close by after hearing rumors about certain men in the area,” she said. “I couldn’t let her go alone.”

“The girl had been lured by a man to his house at 9:30 pm under the false promise of collecting money to buy food. Having heard about suspicious activities involving certain men in the community, I decided to accompany the girl and stay nearby,” Eugenia recalled.

Eugenia recalled waiting outside the man’s house: “When he grabbed the girl’s dress, she called for help. I stepped in immediately, and he ran back inside, he never came near us again.”

Her courage didn’t stop there. Eugenia reported the incident to the community child protection committee, who swiftly intervened. “Since then, the man has behaved well,” she shared proudly. Her actions sparked real change and set a powerful example for child safety.

'Seeing my photo on posters and banners made me feel truly seen' 

Her impact reached beyond Afokpui. Eugenia was invited to the ENOUGH campaign launch in Accra, promoting access to quality food for all children. “Seeing my photo on posters and banners made me feel truly seen and appreciated by World Vision,” she said.

Motivated by the recognition, Eugenia actively joined the campaign launch and brought its message home, encouraging her community to support children’s nutritional needs.

Her influence grew further when she attended the Children Model Summit for the Future, where she passionately advocated for food security. “Our proposal was included in a collective submission presented directly to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his cabinet,” she shared proudly.

Eugenia concluded with heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I feel empowered and am deeply thankful to World Vision for all their support and love. Their encouragement has enabled me to stand strong as a child advocate and community leader.” 

Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of nurturing young voices, fostering leadership, and building safer, healthier communities where children can thrive.