09/06/2024
JATO-ZONGO'S FINEST EXPORT: UNEDUCATED CHILDREN AND FRESH BEANS.
In the community of Jato-Zongo, situated within the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality, farming constitutes the primary economic activity. While other occupations, such as teaching, nursing, and various artisanal pursuits, exist, they are significantly outnumbered by farming endeavours. Notably, even individuals engaged in these secondary occupations often supplement their income through farming. The main crops cultivated in Jato-Zongo are beans and maize, with the bean harvest during the wet season spanning from late May to the end of June. This period coincides with the third term and the end of the academic year. During this time, individuals, including children, from neighbouring communities within the municipality, travel to Jato-Zongo to participate in bean harvesting for financial gain. The harvested produce is divided between the farmer and labourer, with the labourer's share directly tied to his/her ability to harvest more.
Despite parents' assertions that this practice does not harm their children's physical or mental well-being, I argue that it has a detrimental impact on the children’s educational development and ultimately undermines the value of education in the community. However, a detailed examination of child labour and learning through practical experience will be reserved for future discussion.
Currently, the community is in the midst of a bountiful harvest season, with a cocoa bag of beans valued at GHS 1,800 and a unit of 'Olonka' (also known as 'kuruwa') priced at GHS 30. It is reasonable to conclude that approximately two-thirds of school-aged children in Jato-Zongo have been absent from school for the past three weeks, a trend likely to continue until the end of June because of the harvest.
In interviews with twenty of these children, nearly all expressed a preference for farm work over attending school, citing the potential to earn GHS 90 within two days as a primary motivator. They also indicated that their parents encourage their participation in farming and, in some cases, benefit directly from their children's labour or rely on it to supplement family income. Further investigation revealed that none of the parents of the interviewed children had received formal education, which may contribute to their lack of appreciation for the value of education and prioritisation of labour over learning.
I use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders who matter in the development of the municipality to come to the aid of Jato-Zongo, devise, and implement strategies that prioritise education, addressing the underlying causes of children engaging in farming. This will ensure that the children of Jato-Zongo receive the education they deserve, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The prevailing trend of children forsaking their educational pursuits to engage in bean harvesting is a cause for concern that necessitates immediate intervention. Through collective action, we can eradicate this phenomenon, thereby securing a brighter future for these children and contributing to societal advancement.
