local storiesMay 12, 2026

Check Out Pefite Veronica Powoh Veshite Gah’s Story

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pefite Veronica Powoh Veshite Gah.

Hi Pefite veronica powoh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up and working within my community, I kept noticing something that many people chose not to talk about: children were suffering in silence. Abuse, neglect, exploitation these weren’t just statistics to me, they were real stories, real faces, real lives being shaped by pain. And what struck me the most was not just the harm itself, but the culture of silence surrounding it.

That realization became my turning point.

I began by educating myself, volunteering, and speaking up in small spaces classrooms, community gatherings, conversations that were often uncomfortable but necessary. Over time, those small steps grew into something bigger. I started working more intentionally in child protection, equipping teachers, engaging parents, and empowering children with knowledge about their rights and safety.

Today, I am leading and building initiatives like the Child Abuse Prevention Movement, where we focus on awareness, prevention, and practical action in schools and communities. My work is not just about responding to abuse it’s about stopping it before it starts by changing mindsets, breaking silence, and creating safe environments for children to thrive.

The journey hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges, resistance, and moments of doubt. But every child reached, every voice empowered, and every life protected reminds me why I started.

I am here because I chose not to look away and I believe that when we protect a child, we don’t just change one life, we shape the future of an entire generation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been breaking the culture of silence. In many communities, child abuse is still seen as a private family matter, something people hesitate to question or report. Speaking up in those spaces can be uncomfortable, and at times, I’ve faced resistance from people who feel these conversations shouldn’t be had openly.

Another struggle has been limited resources. Building programs, reaching schools, and sustaining awareness campaigns require funding, partnerships, and consistent support and those aren’t always easy to secure. There were moments I had to rely purely on passion and persistence to keep things moving.

I’ve also had to navigate emotional challenges. Working in child protection means encountering difficult stories and realities. Carrying those experiences while staying strong enough to advocate effectively is not always easy.

And then there’s institutional barriers systems that can be slow, gaps in policy implementation, or lack of trained personnel. Sometimes you know what needs to be done, but getting everyone aligned takes time and patience.

But each of these challenges has shaped me. They’ve strengthened my voice, deepened my commitment, and pushed me to be more creative and resilient in how I approach the work.

So no, it hasn’t been smooth but every obstacle has reinforced why this work matters so much.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work at the intersection of child protection, education, and community engagement with a strong focus on prevention.

At the core of what I do is equipping people. I train teachers, parents, and community leaders to recognize, respond to, and prevent child abuse. I also work directly with children, helping them understand their rights, build confidence, and learn practical ways to stay safe. My approach is very hands-on not just theory, but real-life tools people can actually use.

I specialize in early prevention and awareness, especially within primary schools and grassroots communities. Through initiatives like the Child Abuse Prevention Movement, I focus on breaking the culture of silence, encouraging open conversations, and creating safer environments where children feel seen, heard, and protected.

What I’m known for is turning difficult topics into conversations people can actually have. I don’t just speak about child protection I create spaces where people feel safe to engage, ask questions, and reflect. I bring a practical, culturally aware approach that connects with both adults and children.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the programs it’s the impact on people:
• A teacher who now knows how to handle a disclosure properly
• A parent who changes how they communicate with their child
• A child who finds the courage to speak up

Those moments matter deeply to me.

What sets me apart is my combination of passion, lived connection to the community, and action-driven approach. I don’t wait for change I build it, step by step, even in challenging environments. I’m committed not just to raising awareness, but to ensuring that awareness leads to real protection and lasting change.

For me, this work is more than a profession it’s a responsibility to give children a safer, stronger future.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes something I always like to leave people with is this:

Child protection is not just the responsibility of a few professionals it’s everyone’s responsibility.

Too often, people think, “This doesn’t concern me,” or “Someone else will handle it.” But the truth is, change begins in the everyday moments how we listen to children, how we respond when something feels wrong, how willing we are to speak up even when it’s uncomfortable.

I also want readers to understand that prevention is powerful. We don’t have to wait for harm to happen before we act. By educating ourselves, creating safe spaces, and building trust with children, we can stop many of these issues before they even begin.

And finally, I’d say this: never underestimate the impact of your voice. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or young person you have the power to make a child feel safe, heard, and protected.

If there’s one thing I stand for, it’s this
breaking the silence can save a life.

Pricing:

Introductory child safety sessions for children & parents. $80 – $170 per session
Create safe and trusting environments Parent & teacher guidance workshops (communication & trust-building) • Half-day session • $170 – $330 per group
Learn the signs and take them seriously Basic training on identifying abuse & early warning signs • Half-day training • $250 – $420
Speak up and report concerns Reporting procedures & safeguarding response training • Practical workshop with case scenarios • $330 – $580
Invest in education and training Comprehensive child protection program (schools/organizations) • Full-day or multi-day training + materials • $500 – $1,300 (depending on scope & size)

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