The West African Christian Friends (WACF) on 16 December organised a one-day awareness seminar on HIV/AIDS and Child Rights for more than 30 participants of students and teachers at the Father Farrel Hall in Kanifing.

In his opening remarks on the occasion, Fr Joseph Gomez, the chairman of WACF, said the organization is committed to undertake and address critical issues affecting students, such as dropping out of school, sexual and physical exploitation, lack of home care, and domestic violence.

Fr Gomez further said the organization takes special care of vulnerable school children, adding that in order to foster children’s development, their rights must not be compromised.

He urged the students to make good use of the knowledge gained at the seminar and to enlighten their friends and peers about HIV/AIDS.

Mr Lamin Jaiteh of the Department of State for Education thanked the organization for organising such a seminar and called on other Christian organizations to emulate WACF. He also advised parents to respect the rights of their children, saying: “Every child has a right to be educated, and therefore children’s education should not be left only in the hands of educators.”

Mr Jaiteh urged the children to be aware of their rights, as “they have a say in society”.