Participatory development communication and child well-being in Northern Ghana : a journey

Abstract

Children in the West African country of Ghana may face many challenges to their safety and well-being, including trafficking, child labour, sexual abuse, violent discipline, gender inequality, and neglect. This paper relates a journey into the lives of the residents of a small village in Northern Ghana and explores the role of participatory communication in understanding the issues and making life better for their children. Through an ethnographic study of the culture and the community's perception of the needs of children, the field of education and the difficulties of the local school emerge as a priority for the village population. Choices and plans are made for a grassroots initiative to address one of the problems at the school. The author shares her discoveries in this reflexive, personal account.