WHO WE ARE

This is our story

(CRRECENT IS TWO TIMES AWARDEE BY SOPHIE STENBERK FOUNDATION AND REACH FOR CHANGE FOR ASTOUNDING WORK ON JUVENILE JUSTICE)

1.1 CHILD RESEARCH AND RESOURCE CENTRE (CRRECENT) is a civil society organisation that employs evidenced-based programmes to promote child and youth protection and development as a direct function of national development. CRRECENT was Incorporated as a private voluntary not-for-profit organisation with certificate number: CG183672015, dated October 21, 2004. The organisation is driven by the desire for well-integrated society that prioritises the advancement of children (boys and girls) and vulnerable youth, and hence creates the necessary space and opportunity to respond to their developmental and protection needs.

CRRECENT is both a research and programme implementation organisation. This dual profile facilitates evidence-based conceptualisation of interventions for the organisation. CRRECENT does studies commissioned by development partners as well as internally self-generated ones to add to the body of information on children and young people. CRRECENT also builds information on children and young people from its learning agenda from project implementation processes.

1.2 VISION

To be a hub for the enhancement of life for vulnerable children and young people in Ghana and beyond.

1.3 OUR MISSION

CRRECENT's mission is to strive to be the leading child/youth-based research and resource institution that uses evidence-based programmes and projects in changing lives and giving hope and opportunity to disadvantaged vulnerable children and youth, and in partnership with stakeholders create online one stop shop data and information bureau on children and youth in Ghana and West Africa. We will undertake this through research, policy advocacy and social enterprise programmes with diligence, passion, sincerity and integrity.

1.4 CRRECENT'S PHILOSOPHY

CRRECENT's work is premised on the strong conviction that EVERY CHILD AND YOUNG PERSON, GIVEN THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY, CAN MAKE IT IN LIFE.

1.5 DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

CRRECENT believes that development is about increasing possibilities and capacities of individuals to make the most of their potential to live as full resourceful persons and together with others create caring, supportive and accountable societies.

Further, CRRECENT recognises that rights and responsibilities of children living under challenging circumstances can be realised through research, policy advocacy, sustained and purposeful development and protection of children, parents and communities while creating concrete alternatives that challenge and address structural causes and consequences of their vulnerability.

1.6 TARGET POPULATION

CRRECENT targets (a) vulnerable and challenged children (0-18) for their development and protection, (b) challenged youth (19-24) in life changing programmes; such as support for education and skill development for independent life, and (c) adults working with children and policy makers.

1.7 APPROACH TO WORK

Child Rights as a framework for action: Legal frameworks, polices and reports that inform CRRECENT's work on children and youth are many and varied and include national as well as international documents.
Research and evidence-based policy advocacy: CRRECENT employs evidence-based approach in the formulation of programme concepts and implementation and mobilisation of civil society to engage with policy makers.
Gender analysis, mainstreaming and promotion of girls and young women's participation rights: CRRECENT strategically pursues programmes for gender equality and social inclusion for girls and young women.
Network and partnership building: CRRECENT works in partnership, alliances and networks with others on common issues and manages a platform for discussions and consensus building on children's issues. Strategic partnership is pursued with development partners, government partners and the private/business sector and creates alliances with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs), School Management Committees (SMCs) and traditional authorities.

1.8 PARTNERS

CRRECENT works with a wide range of government institutions such as the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Department of Social Welfare, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Birth and Death Registry; and International organizations ( Plan International Ghana, Action Aid Ghana, Ashmore Foundation, Reach For Change, World Vision, Star Ghana Foundation among others).

Quotes from partners:

"As a partner, we have found your commitment as exemplary and have been inspired by your dedication and excellence. Children,widows,young women and men who have been reached through the delivery of our partnership are the living testaments of our cordial working relationship. CRRECENT deserves the honour of its professional labour".(Christian Aid, 2020).

"Your outstanding dedication towards child enhancement and continuous support of children has been impactful. Thank you for your dedicated service, positive attitude and support towards enhancing the lives of children"(The National Philanthropy Excellence Awards,2019)

CRRECENT(awardee), "In honour of your dedication and remarkable achievements in working with families and communities to prevent acts of violence against the child( Sophie Stenbeck Foundation and Reach for Change 2015 and 2016)

"CRRECENT, over the years, has proven to be effective in engaging with policy makers at national,sub-national and community levels. It has a track record of having successfully carried out stakeholder fora for community leadership and district assembly functionaries in Akuapem North, New Juaben and Shai Osudoku districts which is gradually paving a way for increased accountability on the part of the assembly and participation by ordinary community members(Plan International Ghana, 2018)

1.9 ORGANISATIONAL STRENGTHS

CRRECENT is endowed with technical skills in advocacy, programme management, networking, research, evaluation, and community mobilization.

Governance

CRRECENT is governed by a policy Board of Directors that provides overall guidance and oversight to CRRECENT. It's current five member-board represents a stratum of economic, financial, legal, academic, education, child development and protection and social policy experts. Professor, Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey (Former Director, Center for Policy Studies, University of Ghana), Dr. Agnes Akosua Aidoo (former UNICEF representative in Tanzania and former Vice Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child), Dr Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi(Director, Research Statistics & Information Management (RSIM)
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection), Ms Christie-Pearl Adomako(a legal Practitioner), George Danso(a marketing and communication expert) are on the Board of Directors. The remaining two are the Executive Directors for operations and finance and administration.

Staff strength stands at three(Executive Director, Programmes/Projects Manager and Admnistrator). These are supported by an average of ten(10) volunteers per year.

SERVING ON COMMITTEES

CRRECENT was a member on the institution-based committees that developed the following policy documents:

Child and Family Welfare Policy
Justice for Children Policy
Social Protection Policy- CRRECENT is one of the stakeholders for the periodic updates on social protection policy implementation and related issues.
The review of the Juvenile Justice Act, the Children's Act and Early Childhood Care and Development Policy.