International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB), a day when broadcasters all over the world allow children to be part of the programming and production process, thereby talk about their hopes, dreams and other challenges in life, was on Sunday observedin The Gambia by the Young People in Media (YPM) at a ceremony held at Unique FM on the topic “the world we want”.
Delivering his welcoming remarks, Lamin Manga, proprietor of Unique FM, described children as future leaders. He said they should be given chance to express their concerns and fight for their rights. “I will begin to be responsibly allow children on my radio to express their talents and other concerns every evening”, he said. Deputising for the speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Haddy Nyang Njie, highlighted Gambia government’s effort in the protection of the right of the child. According to her, government signed and ratified without any reservation, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 and the African charter for the welfare of the child in September 2000.
She argued that everyone has the power to protect the right of the child, adding that this made UNICEF to begin working with partners to help mobilise a global movement for children as world wide campaign, thereby, building a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of every child. She then described the media as a very strong factor in this endeavour, noting that media stimulates young mind and elevate the power of the children.
The UNICEF country representative in The Gambia, Min-Whee Kang vows that her organisation will do a lot for children throughout the country. She added that The Gambia is one of the 150 countries, where children participate actively in the media. The UNICEF boss also hailed the positive effect of the media on society and revealed that media helps and bring the focus of the children. She recalled the launching of the Africa Child at Nusrat Senior Secondary, Bundung 2008, and urged every adult to play an active role in the right of the child.
Alex Dacosta, vice chairperson, Board of Governors of the Young People in the Media (YPM), admitted the importance of YPM. According to him, YPM is highly valued as everyone is committed to the welfare of the children. He revealed that the media is an institution that educates the society and quicky highlighted the role YCM play by using the media to overshadow the problems faced by the children. Other speakers included Fanta Sidebeh of YPM, Fatou Camara, chairperson Board of Governors, YPM. The ceremony was punctuated with drama presentation by school children.