The Voice Club of Bansang Upper Basic School was recently trained on issues relating to child protection and the prevention of child sexual abuse and the commercial exploitation of children. The event was held at the SEN Multi purpose hall in Bansang Upper Fulladu District CRR South.

The Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ebrima Sacre Janneh, said the workshop was organised by Bansang Voice Club but sponsored by the Child Protection Alliance (CPA).

According to him the workshop, which was attended by fifty Voice Club members, is purposely designed to also reach out to other schools. He added that the members trained here will go around to other schools and sensitize the students there on child protection issues and children’s rights.

Mr. Janneh further stated that participants take an active part in the training which takes the form of group work and focuses on case studies involving child sexual abuse and decision-making.

For his part, the Vice-Principal of Bansang Upper and Senior School, Mr. Lamin Jobe, spoke at length on the importance of the training. Mr. Jobe revealed that if children are aquatinted with their rights at an early stage they will grow up to be more responsible. He commended the CPA for taking the lead in child welfare.

Mr. Baboucarr Sanyang, a facilitator, said rights always go with responsibility. He noted that it is the right of every child to be educated but there is corresponding responsibility for that child to go to school daily. Mr. Sanyang revealed that teachers teach children and sensitize them morally on how to approach their elders and maintain a high sense of discipline. He added that if this kind of training could be extended to other schools the level of awareness would increase.

Mr. Sanyang said most children don’t know their rights and, as a result, find themselves in funny situations. He noted that some children have been the victims of sexual abuse and urged parents and teachers to make a stand on the issue.

Kumba Suso, a student, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the participants and the event was chaired by Abdoulie SK Sawaneh.