Sexual abuse and exploitation at both lower and higher educational institutions in The Gambia is at alarming levels.

According to a study conducted by UNICEF, 64% of sample prostitutes below the age of 18 were enrolled in Basic schools.

The report also states that a number of cases of sexual harassment and exploitation have been found in the Basic and Senior Schools, providing evidence of schoolgirls who have been impregnated by their school teachers. The UNICEF report also regrettably reveals that prostitution, pornography, early marriage and cross-generation sex between teachers and students have taken roots in The Gambia and needed to be addressed urgently.

It further provides evidence of underage prostitution of girls and boys as emerging from sexual exploitation of schoolchildren in The Gambian educational centres.

The study also indicates that sexual abuse and exploitation in schools are more common in higher educational centres where teachers demand sexual favour from schoolgirls who fail their core subjects.