The late Javits Frimpong
The Sustainable Impact Makers International (SIMI) has condemned the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong and called for an Immigrant Student Safety and Belonging Action Plan.
In a statement issued by its Founder and President, Dr. Evelyn Botwe, SIMI stated that through its work with immigrant and Ghanaian communities, the organisation knows that safety, belonging and emotional wellbeing are essential to health, and that the loss touches that work deeply.
“It also touches me personally. I was once him, a young immigrant with hopes, potential, and a future ahead of me,” Dr. Botwe disclosed, and recounted that when her brother was 13, someone threatened him with a knife and took his money, noting that “experiences like these stay with families long after the immediate danger has passed.”
Dr. Botwe urged the Ghanaian community to channel anger into questions that demand answers, including when a child reports bullying or threats, who takes responsibility for ensuring that child is safe, how families are informed and supported, what happens when a concern remains unresolved, and who protects students on their journeys to and from school.
SIMI is therefore calling for an Immigrant Student Safety and Belonging Action Plan, to be developed with African and other immigrant youth, parents, schools and community organisations.
The organisation recommended documented safety plans when a student reports credible threats or repeated bullying, with a named staff contact, prompt follow-up and clear escalation when danger continues; accessible family communication including interpretation and meeting times working parents can attend; funded prevention and healing, including culturally responsive counsellors, trusted community partners and safe passage partnerships around schools; independent review and public accountability covering how reported concerns were handled while protecting student privacy; and youth and immigrant representation with influence in implementation and evaluation.
SIMI also made requests to city and diplomatic offices. It asked Ghana’s Embassy and Consulate General in New York to designate a family liaison, coordinate bereavement and practical assistance according to the family’s wishes, and maintain contact beyond the funeral, as well as convene Ghanaian youth, parents, organisations, school representatives and city officials to establish a clear pathway for families reporting bullying, threats or discrimination.
To the Office of the Mayor, SIMI called for a review of how previously reported concerns were handled, funding for culturally responsive counselling and community partnerships, and strengthened school safety planning, family communication and safe passage. It also called on the Office of the Public Advocate to co-sign the call and help ensure the community is heard, and asked the Borough President to convene a community meeting with Ghanaian youth and families within 30 days.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke