Our mission is to empower children, youth, and parents by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to drive positive change within their communities. Through education, mentorship, and capacity-building programs, we strive to foster leadership, resilience, and sustainable development, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Our vision is to create a world where children, youth, and parents are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to build sustainable, thriving communities. Through meaningful engagement, education, and capacity-building initiatives, we strive to foster resilience, inclusivity, and long-term development, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute to a better future for themselves and their communities.

The Genesis of WCYA: A Voice for Children and Youth in Ghana.

The story of Welfare of Children and Youth Association (WCYA) is not one born in a boardroom, but rather from the lived experiences and determined spirit of young people themselves. Its roots trace back to the vibrant and culturally rich Volta Region of Ghana.

In the late 1990s, a wave of advocacy was sweeping across West Africa, largely fueled by the African Movement of Working Children and Youth (AMWCY). This powerful movement, with its strongholds in Togo, recognized the inherent rights of working children and youth, and advocated for their participation in decisions that affected their lives. They championed the idea that children, far from being mere recipients of aid, were active agents of change, capable of organizing and demanding their rights.

It was this ethos that resonated deeply within the communities of the Volta Region. A group of visionary children and youth, observing the challenges faced by their peers – from child labor and exploitation to lack of access to education and healthcare – began to dream of a collective voice. They were inspired by the stories and successes of the AMWCY, particularly its emphasis on self-organization and advocacy.

A technical support visit from the African Movement of Working Children and Youth (AMWCY) organized in Lome, Togo 2008, presented an opportunity for these young pioneers in the Volta Region to embark on a remarkable journey. The AMWCY shared their methodologies for grassroots mobilization, their principles of child and youth participation, and their experience in engaging with authorities and communities. They provided training on how to articulate their needs, organize meetings, and structure their advocacy efforts.

This technical support empowered the young people in the Volta Region to formalize their aspirations. They established small, informal groups, initially meeting in homes and community centers, driven by a shared commitment to improving their circumstances and those of their peers, laying the foundation for what would become WCYA.

From these humble beginnings, WCYA emerged as a formal organization, driven by the collective power and vision of children and youth. The early days were characterized by impactful discussions, community outreaches, and persistent advocacy for their rights. We began to address immediate needs in our communities, such as facilitating access to basic education, raising awareness about child protection issues, and advocating for better working conditions for young people involved in various economic activities.

The geographical proximity to Togo and the historical and cultural ties within the Volta Region facilitated this cross-border learning and inspiration. The spirit of the AMWCY, advocating for the "12 Rights" of working children – which included the right to be taught a trade, the right to health care, and the right to be listened to – became a guiding light for WCYA.

Over the years, WCYA expanded its reach beyond the Volta Region, establishing a national presence in Ghana. What started as a grassroots movement, born from the determination of children and youth themselves with in a community, has grown into a structured organization dedicated to empowering the next generation across Ghana. The legacy of those early pioneers in the Volta Region, and the foundational support from its partners continues to shape WCYA's unwavering commitment to child protection, education & advocacy, migration climate & environmental justice, health, and, ensuring the voices of children and youth are heard.

Selflessness: At WCYA, our commitment to service goes beyond duty—we prioritize the well-being of our beneficiaries, dedicating our time, energy, and resources with a spirit of self-sacrifice. We believe that true impact comes from putting the needs of others first, ensuring that vulnerable children, youth, and parents receive the support they need to thrive.

Inclusion: We uphold the principle that every individual, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, or ability, should have equal access to our programs and services. WCYA fosters an environment of diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in our mission to create lasting change.

Value for Money: We are committed to using our resources effectively and responsibly, ensuring that every contribution—whether financial, material, or human—creates the greatest possible impact. WCYA focuses on sustainable, results-driven initiatives that maximize benefits for our beneficiaries while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Respect: At the core of our work is the unwavering belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Whether engaging with beneficiaries, partners, or stakeholders, WCYA fosters a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual understanding, creating a safe and supportive space for all.

✅ Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
WCYA is committed to equipping children, youth, and marginalized communities with the knowledge and skills needed for positive societal transformation. Through structured training programs and workshops, we address critical issues such as migration governance, gender-based violence, human trafficking, child rights protection, hygiene, and disease prevention, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.

✅ Education & Sensitization
Raising awareness is key to driving social change. WCYA employs interactive, participatory methods alongside digital and print materials to educate and sensitize communities on pressing issues. By promoting knowledge-sharing and dialogue, we empower individuals to take informed actions for sustainable development.

✅ Advocacy
WCYA actively champions the rights and well-being of children and youth. We engage with government agencies, policymakers, and key stakeholders to influence policies and create an equitable society where every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.

✅ Community Development
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by children, youth, and women, WCYA implements grassroots initiatives that enhance social welfare, economic opportunities, and access to essential services. Our community-driven projects aim to foster safer, more inclusive, and thriving environments.

✅ Sustainability & Innovation
To ensure lasting impact, WCYA integrates innovation into its programs and interventions. By adopting creative and adaptable strategies, we enhance the sustainability of our initiatives, ensuring that the positive change we create today benefits future generations.