The Centre for Abused Children

Every year, we hear in the media, of the unfortunate children who have been abused or neglected by the adults who care for them and we see on the streets the children who have no place to call home.

The good news is that there are institutions that cater for these children in Ghana.

One such project is the Abused Children's Centre established by the Department of Social Justice in October 2003.

It is affectionately known as the Shelter.

This is a temporary holding facility for children who have suffered various forms of abuse or are considered displaced.

It caters for children who have been trafficked, physically or sexually abused, have escaped from arranged marriages or run away from home and are found homeless in the city.

By Ghanaian law a child is anyone under the age of 18 but there is some flexibility with older girls who may stay in the shelter for the sake of their small child.

The Centre Manager, Ms Victoria Natsu has held this position since its establishment.

She is responsible for the day-to-day management of the facility and overseeing the work of the four case workers employed for the children.

Ms Natsu says that she loves working with the children but it is also a duty that she feels obliged to fulfill.

As with any job it does have its challenges.

The children do not receive formal education while they are at the facility but have many activities like painting, drawing, mental stimulation games and physical exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

The centre generally caters for children on a short-term basis, a few weeks or maybe months. Sometimes in extreme cases where a child's family cannot be located or it is inappropriate for them to return, they are held for up to twelve months before an appropriate foster family can be found.

There are partner NGO's such as Kinder Paradise who make sure that children are relocated into a family who will care for and educate them.

The Centre for Abused Children is primarily funded by the Ghana Government but also receives financial help from NGO's and individuals.

It uses a constant stream of international volunteers throughout the year to assist with daily activities.

Tamsyn, a twenty year old British volunteer who is working at the centre said, "The children are always smiling and happy to see you."

All forms of income and assistance are appreciated and do greatly benefit the children.

As I leave the shelter there are cries of laughter and I realize that for the children the centre is a safe haven, where children can be children in learning and in play.

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