End child prostitution, child phonography and the trafficking on children for sexual purposes (ECPAT) has partnered with Child Protection Alliance and other network members for the implementation of the youth partnership project for child survivors and youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation in the Gambia. The project, which is expected to run for a period of  three years   will benefit 30,000 individuals from families and communities in the Gambia.

The YPP project will be implemented in three schools and five shelters this year. The selected schools are Charles Jaw Memorial Academy, Kunta Kinteh Senior Secondary school and Gunjur Upper Basic School. The two shelters are SOS children village and child care centre located at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding.

The target groups, according to a news release are children and youths victims of child abuse and commercial sexual exploitation and those children who are at risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking.

The release stated that the overall objective is to ensure children’s right to actively and meaningfully participate particularly in social change and work against commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), child sexual and rights abuse.

The release further highlighted specific objectives such as implement strategies that create and support replicable youth participation in the fight against (CSEC), child sexual abuse and trafficking. Also part of the specific objectives are the development of the skills of peer supporters (children) YPP partner organisation (school shelters) to provide peer support programme among others.

The expected outcomes, according the release is replicable, sustainable and good practices modes for youth participation  in the fight against (CSEC) established globally.

However the main activities as highlighted by release will include peer support programmes against the commercial sexual exploitation sexual exploitation of children in school and shelter, awareness raising and advocacy on CSEC and related issues, and the establishment of child protection framework for the YPP project partners to promote safe participation of children.