- Challenging Heights
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Challenging heights is an African non-governmental organization which is affiliated with Free the Slaves, the largest anti-slavery organization in the United States. According to Challenging Heights, over 24,000 children in Ghana fall victim to the worst forms of child labour annually. Challenging Heights utilizes education, economic empowerment and community mobilisation to achieve its objectives."[1]
Contents
History
Challenging heights was founded by James Kofi Annan, who is himself a survivor of child trafficking and the worst forms of child labor. James is the last and the only educated out of twelve children of his illiterate parents. He worked as a child fisherman in more than 20 villages along Lake Volta from the age of 6 to 13, before he finally liberated himself. At the time he could neither read nor write. James later rose to become a university graduate and also rose to become manager at Barclays Bank of Ghana. In April 2007, James resigned from Barclays Bank of Ghana in order to devote full time to mobilizing resources to promote the mission of Challenging Heights.
Mission
"To ensure a secured, protected and dignified future and life for children and youth by promoting their rights, education and health."[2]
The need for this project is encapsulated in James’ story of how education can transform the life of formerly enslaved and vulnerable children, provide boys and girls with hope, and empower them to become agents of change.
Activities
Challenging Heights pressures the Ghanaian government to enforce anti-trafficking legislation, helps fund anti-trafficking task forces, and runs a school that helps reintegrate child slaves that have been rescued back into society and empowers them to take advantage of future opportunities.[citation needed] The school is self-sufficient and the former slaves are mixed in with other children from the community who also attend classes. The organization also raises awareness about the issue through collaboration with the international news media, as well as their work with celebrities--such as Jason Mraz and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of The Elders.
Funding
Barclays Bank Ghana has donated GH¢45,420 (£20,000) to Challenging Heights, saying that "we believe that the presentation to Challenging Heights and other NGOs will supplement the efforts of government to alleviate poverty in impoverished communities".[1]
Media References
- Coverage of Challenging Heights on CNN International's Inside Africa television feature[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Barclays Donates GH 45,420 to Challenging Heights". Accra: Ghana News Agency. 2010-04-15. http://www.ghananewsagency.org/s_economics/r_14519/. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
- ^ "Challenging Heights Mission Statement". Challenging Heights. http://www.challengingheights.org/mission.html. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bcw-AwuosU
External links
Categories:- Non-governmental organizations of Africa
- Political organisation stubs
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