A Child Right and Protection Advocate, Mr. Peter Boateng, has said that no child can thrive in an environment of fear, discrimination, or abuse.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Incarnate Word Preparatory School at Mantukwa in the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani on July 23, 2025, called on the Management of the School to ensure that no child is left behind, especially those with physical or mental challenges.
These children, like all others, he noted, deserved love, protection, equal opportunities, and dignity.
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Mr. Boateng who is teacher and CEO of INNORIGHTS GHANA believed that, discrimination, whether in the form of social isolation, labeling, or neglect, denies children their full humanity and potential.
“Inclusive education must make room for every child’s uniqueness and ensure that support systems are in place to help them learn and grow without fear” he resonated.
He empathically exclaimed that, both in Schools and homes, there were many stereotypes and harmful practices which continue to go unnoticed.
He lamented that children who are slow learners are often wrongly called “dumb,” expressing sadness that those with speech difficulties are mocked.
Some children are physically punished excessively under the guise of discipline, he said, adding that others are told that boys should not cry or that girls must stay silent.
These, he said were termed as harmful beliefs which also diminish children’s confidence and stifle their development.
He acknowledged the fact that the world we live in now is a technological world and hence pupils in Mantukwa should be exposed to technology in order for them to compete with those in the cities.
Stating that today’s children must not be educated the way education was passed on decades ago, he called on the Management and staff to reaffirm their commitment to discipline, compassion, and respect for all persons as a Catholic mission School.
Discipline must not be about punishment alone, it must be rooted in love, correction, and the teachings of Christ, who said, “Let the little children come to me.”
Mr. Boateng explained the need to cultivate in children the ability to respect others, embrace differences, and speak up against injustice.
By Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI.(Sister Communicator)
