Research Article
Thinking About Initiation: Spiritual Education and Cultural Identity in Benin
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-10
Received:
10 December 2024
Accepted:
10 January 2025
Published:
24 January 2025
Abstract: This article, based on an in-depth ethnographic study, highlights the essential role of initiation rites, such as Chakpanna, Ochoumaré, Monlou, Oro and Hunzizon...etc., in identity-building and social cohesion in Benin, drawing on participant observations and testimonials from social actors to demonstrate that they constitute a comprehensive traditional educational process. The study underlines the importance of transmitting ancestral knowledge, respect for tradition, solidarity and courage, which are essential to social cohesion and the preservation of Benin's cultural heritage, while exploring the interactions between the traditional education of initiation rites, informal family education and formal modern education, as well as the challenges posed by modernity. The study underlines the need for constructive dialogue between traditional authorities, government institutions and civil society to balance tradition and evolution, thus ensuring the transmission of initiation rites to future generations, while opening up promising research prospects, including comparative studies with other African cultures to better understand the diversity of these rites and their role in identity building in a changing world.
Abstract: This article, based on an in-depth ethnographic study, highlights the essential role of initiation rites, such as Chakpanna, Ochoumaré, Monlou, Oro and Hunzizon...etc., in identity-building and social cohesion in Benin, drawing on participant observations and testimonials from social actors to demonstrate that they constitute a comprehensive tradit...
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Research Article
Impacts of Small-scale Mining on Hazardous Child Labour in the Upper West Region, Ghana
Mohammed Sulemana*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
11-20
Received:
13 December 2024
Accepted:
30 December 2024
Published:
7 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ash.20251101.12
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Views:
Abstract: This study investigates the impacts of small-scale mining on hazardous child labour in the Upper West Region of Ghana, drawing on the poverty hypothesis and the conceptualization of children as household assets. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research engaged 33 purposively selected participants through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that children are driven into hazardous child labour due to factors such as poverty, poor academic performance, parental absence, and the weak enforcement of educational and child labour laws. Additionally, the study identified the detrimental effects of hazardous child labour on children’s education and health. Many children engaged in small-scale mining exhibited poor academic performance, fatigue, and health complications such as skin rashes, respiratory issues, and joint pains. The findings emphasize that hazardous child labour perpetuates cycles of poverty, deprives children of their fundamental rights to education and well-being, and poses a significant barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (quality education) and 8 (decent work and economic growth). This study recommends strengthening the enforcement of child labour laws, providing social safety nets for impoverished families, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with child labour. Furthermore, the involvement of traditional authorities and community stakeholders is critical to combatting hazardous child labour and fostering a protective environment for children. The research contributes to the limited literature on hazardous child labour in small-scale mining, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
Abstract: This study investigates the impacts of small-scale mining on hazardous child labour in the Upper West Region of Ghana, drawing on the poverty hypothesis and the conceptualization of children as household assets. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research engaged 33 purposively selected participants through in-depth interviews. Thematic analy...
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