In cocoa-growing communities, parents and caregivers play a vital role in protecting children, supporting their education, and creating safe environments where they can thrive. Through the Families Make the Difference (FMD) programme, ICI and Nestlé are helping families in Ntinanko strengthen positive parenting practices, improve communication with children, and use non-violent approaches to discipline.
The FMD is a community-based parenting skills program designed to improve caregiver-child relationships and promote positive discipline. Parents/ caregivers are taken through 10 weekly sessions and family dialogue activities on positive parenting skills, communication and child development. This approach enables participants to recognise the positive interactions parents can foster with their children to promote well-being within the family. It also equips parents with new attitudes and skills to interact more effectively with their children, encouraging positive development.
Esther Kyei from Ntinanko, Bekwai Municipal in Ashanti Region and a parent of 2 children shares how the FMD programme has changed her parenting skills: “Before participating in the FMD training, I sometimes relied on harsh disciplinary methods. After the 10 weekly sessions, I learned to take time to understand situations and calmly guide my children toward better behaviour. The training has helped me become a more patient, understanding, and confident parent, and I can see the positive change it has had on my family."
The training also reinforced the important role parents play in their children's education. Inspired by what she learned, Esther has become more involved in supporting her children's learning and development. “I now make it a priority to participate in my children's education by attending Parents-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, visit their school sometimes to check on their progress, and encourage them to take their studies seriously. The training reminded me that a parent's involvement can make a significant difference in a child's future. I even celebrated my son in a very special way when he took first position in class. I believe will boost his future academic performance and also encourage his siblings to do well in school.”
Strengthening parents and caregivers is essential to creating safer and more supportive environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Through enhanced parenting practices, improved family relationships, and increased household resilience, families are better equipped to promote the well-being, protection, and development of their children. By equipping families with practical skills to communicate, guide, and care for their children, the FMD approach strengthens the protective environment around children and supports efforts to prevent child labour. By investing in caregivers, FMD offers a practical, family-centred approach to strengthening child protection.