 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11738 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Aug 2007 : 19:12:36
|
CPA Trains Local Government Authorities On Child Rights And Protection
By Annia Gaye
Child Protection Alliance (CPA) in collaboration with Action Aid The Gambia, has organized a three day training workshop on Child Rights and Child Protection for local government authorities from Banjul City Council (BCC), Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and Brikama Area Council. The three-day training started on Tuesday at the Kanifing Municipal Council Chambers. The training is meant to discuss various child rights and protection issues in the country and the role of local government in addressing the problem.
Speaking at the opening of the training workshop, the Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands, Hon. Ismaila Sambou, said that children are "our hope for a better and brighter world" and that "The world of children can only be positively changed by a small group of thoughtful, committed and dedicated men and women who sincerely believe in their mission." He further stated that the administration of Banjul, Kanifing and Brikama combined has the highest population of children, therefore these administrative areas need to become more Central in their planning and programming, so as to adequately support vulnerable children and their families.
Hon. Sambou noted that children in towns and cities face situations that compromise their childhood and also impair their lives. He said "Children are abused and exploited by adults in positions of authority, and also by those whose care and protection they are entrusted. He said that as a government, they would continue to put children issues high on their agenda. He said local governments have the responsibility to lead the way in the protection of children in their spheres. He concluded by saying that "It is terrible that some children are not having the time and space to enjoy their childhood. It would be greater evil if we fail to take action to stop it."
Delivering his remarks, the mayor of KMC, Alieu Momar Njie, mentioned that the effects of sexual abuse and exploitation on children are profound, deep and often permanent, noting that their self-esteem, confidence and trust are undermined and dented. He further mentioned that normal physical and emotional development of children is compromised and that the majority of sexually abused and exploited children are denied their basic rights to education, leisure and play. "They are inadequately protected," he said.
Mr. Njie noted that to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation requires action on the ground, in families, communities and local government authorities that deal directly with communities. He said the local government authorities would continue to work tirelessly and ardently towards achieving the rights and protection that they acknowledged as being inherent and inalienable dues of children. He called on local government authorities to join forces and combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in The Gambia as they owe it to the children who are abused and who are at risk of becoming victims. Mr. Njie challenged LGAs to step up for public information campaign against sexual abuse and exploitation of children. He informed the participants that KMC already has a center for under-privileged children in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank, and that the Department of Social Welfare had also established recreational parks in Tallinding and Kotu. He concluded that they would continue to shape their budget and development projects to cater for children in The Gambia.
Other speakers were the president of the Voice of the Young, Lamin Ceesay, acting deputy mayor of Banjul, Mr. Winston Shyngle, governor Abdou Badjie of the Western region and Njundu Drammeh of Child Protection Alliance.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 98/2007, 22 - 23 August 2007
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2007 : 19:33:21
|
Children under 13 shouldnt be working at all. They should be children. Enjoying learning and being free to play. From 13 onwards I think a small amount of work to help the family is ok as long as studying is still allowed to be the priority.
In Kolior I paid for the building of a small playground with swings a slide and a roundabout. For children to learn well they first need to socialise and play.
Ideally children shouldnt be consider adults until they are 18. Before that time they should be studying and learning as much as possible. Perhaps working part time to help the family too.
Marriage or being pregnant before 18 is too soon.
Lets give our children chance to progress and learn before they have to be totally adult. We are adults for a long time, there should be no rush. It should be a gradual process from 13 to 18......for some people it takes even longer....some men in uk are still boys at 30!!
When I was 23 I got married. When I was 25 I had my first child. In UK that was considered young, but I was happy with that. I felt ready and competent and I wouldnt change it for the world. Now I am 47 I ALMOST  have an empty nest and I have the rest of my life ahead of me with a rewarding job and a good future.
I notice Action Aid is involved in this project, they do lots of good things in Gambia. Anyone in UK who wants to support a charity I would really recommend them. |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
