Effia-Kwesimintsim's Big Plan
For our little superstars!
Who decides how the play spaces, schools and helpers in your town get better — and how can you help?
Every child in Effia-Kwesimintsim deserves to grow up happy, safe and ready to learn — no matter who they are or where they live! The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly in the Western Region made a big plan to make that happen.
First, two big words
Who makes the plan — and what is it?
Grown-ups use some tricky words for this. Here is what they actually mean.
What is a District Assembly?
Imagine your neighbourhood as a huge team — the District Assembly is like the coaches and leaders of that team!
They are the local government people whose job is to take care of the town: fix roads, build schools, keep streets clean, and make sure everyone stays safe and happy.
What is a District Plan?
A district plan is like a giant map made by local leaders to make a town or city a much better place to live!
Instead of adults just guessing what to do, the plan lists the biggest problems — dirty streets, schools that need help, places that need safer parks — then writes a step-by-step checklist for fixing them.
Why did they make the plan?
So every child grows up…
Every child in Effia-Kwesimintsim deserves to grow up like this — no matter who they are or where they live!
Happy
Full of play, laughter and good friends.
Safe
Protected at home, at school and everywhere.
Ready to learn
With open doors to every classroom.
Our big dream
A community where EVERY child…
This is the vision — the town Effia-Kwesimintsim's leaders are building, together.
Plays, laughs and learns
In a safe and friendly space.
Can easily join in all the fun
Including children with disabilities.
Is loved, protected and kept safe
From all harm, at home and in the community.
The big idea
work together as one big team,
every child in Effia-Kwesimintsim
grows up happy, safe and ready to learn.
Children
You are the little superstars the whole plan is for — every one of you special, equal and loved.
Families
Mums and dads meet at parent clubs to share ideas and learn great ways to care for their little ones.
Communities
Chiefs, church and mosque leaders, teachers and volunteers all keep watch and lend a hand.
Understanding the plan
Our 3 Super Powers
To help every child grow up happy and safe, Effia-Kwesimintsim's leaders are focusing on three priority areas — and every one of them points back at the same thing.
Happy Playtime & Supportive Families. Monthly play dates for children, and parent clubs where mums and dads share great ideas.
Happy Playtime & Supportive Families
Psychosocial well-being
Lots of play, lots of friends — and happy, helpful homes!
Monthly play dates
Fun, creative play sessions every month, where children can make friends, play games and express themselves!
Parent clubs
Monthly parent meetings and friendly classes, so mums and dads can share parenting ideas and learn great ways to care for their little ones.
Open Doors for Everyone
Disability inclusion
Every door, every game and every classroom — open to every child!
Fixing play spaces & schools
Checking our buildings and adding smooth ramps, handrails and accessible toilets, so children using wheelchairs or extra support can join in easily.
Talking with community leaders
Partnering with traditional chiefs and church and mosque leaders to teach everyone that every child is special, equal and loved!
Playing together
Making sure children with special needs join right in with all the fun games and play sessions!
Safe Shield & Helper Teams
Child protection
Grown-ups who keep watch — and help that comes right away!
Community safety talks
Visiting neighbourhood centres and schools to teach children and adults how to stay safe — and where to get help.
Teacher & volunteer training
Training teachers and community helpers so they can quickly spot when a child needs help — and protect them.
Caring counselling
Gentle counselling and support to help children and families heal if they face tough times.
Quick helper emergency team
Clear helper pathways and an Emergency Fund, so vulnerable children get medical, legal or safe-haven support right away!
Why three super powers and not one
You can't build a better Effia-Kwesimintsim with one block
Imagine building Effia-Kwesimintsim out of giant toy blocks. Every colour is one of the three super powers — take a colour away and the whole town wobbles.
Play dates are great — but not if some children can't get through the door. Ramps help — but not if a child isn't safe at home. When all three super powers work together, every child in Effia-Kwesimintsim grows up happy, safe and ready to learn.
You are part of Effia-Kwesimintsim's team!
Every little superstar here is special, equal and loved — including you.
Your turn
What can you do?
Invite every kid to play with you
Come to play dates and make new friends
Tell a grown-up you trust if you ever feel unsafe
Working together
Our partners
These are the teams helping Effia-Kwesimintsim turn the plan into happy playtimes, open doors and safe homes.
This research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) [NIHR158910] using UK international development funding from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK government.