The President of Ghana, John Evans Fiifi Atta-Mills on Friday paid a visit to the offices of Plan Ghana in Tumu as part of his tour of the three northern Regions. Plan is one of the oldest child-centred international development organizations, operating in 66 countries across the world. Plan’s vision is of a world in which all children realise their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity. Plan Ghana has 6 program areas in five regions of Ghana, including the Tumu Program. The president’s visit was aimed at knowing more about Plan Ghana and also to commend the management and staff for the good work being done for children and their communities. Plan was the only NGO he visited in both Sissala East and West. Plan started operations in Ghana since 1992 in the Bawjiase Programme Area. Plan Ghana provides support for children through the development of their educational systems and improvement in the socio-cultural environment of the communities in which they live. Among Plan Ghana’s notable achievements over the years is the increase in enrolment figures from 60% to 95% due to the collaborative partnership with 300 communities to improve 180 school facilities in rural areas. Others include improved access to health facilities in remote communities, increased access to potable water from 27% (2003) to 73% (2008). Plan has also been instrumental in the facilitation of scholarships to more than 3,000 students, training of more than 1000 teachers in the rural areas and also spear-headed a birth registration drive where from 17 % in 2003, birth registration jumped to 62% in 2008. Plan Ghana has also pioneered the participation of children in international programs: Commonwealth games in Australia in 2005, UN Session on Children 2006. Plan also engineered the sponsorship of 6 Child ambassadors to US As part of Plan’s activities for this fiscal year, the company has launched the “Learn without Fear” Global Advocacy Campaign. Learn Without fear envisions a world where children can go to school in safety and expect quality learning without fear or threats of violence. Story by Adisa Lansa