A three-day training workshop on child rights and child protection issues for local government authorities will end today at the Kanifing Municipal Council Chambers.

The workshop, organized by the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) is being funded by Action Aid International.

Speaking at the official opening of the workshop last Tuesday, Lamin Ceesay, a Child Representative, made a passionate appeal to the authorities to redouble their efforts in protecting the rights and welfare of children in The Gambia.

In his speech at the occasion, the Secretary of State for Local Government and land Hon. Ismaila Sambou reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children in The Gambia.

He said that children are most often been abused and exploited by people in power and authority and even at homes. “We cannot afford to turn blind eyes on these issues” he stressed. The Local Government Secretary of State further lamented that child abuse and exploitation is unacceptable, challenging all and sundry to be on the look out so as to track down the perpetrators. “It is terrible that some children do not have space and time to enjoy their childhood” bemoaned Secy Sambou.

Speaking earlier, Alhagie Alieu Momar Njie Acting Mayor of KMC called for concerted effort, commitment, dedication and collaboration among all stakeholders to end child abuse and exploitation in the country. He expressed the need for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to be brought to justice. “Silence helps the perpetrator, not the victim” he said. Mayor Njie went on to state that the issue of children is uppermost in the Council’s agenda.   

Deputizing the Chairperson of CPA Board, Mr Njundu Drammeh, CPA National Coordinator expressed the need for people to end all forms of abuse and exploitation against children.

Other speakers at the occasion include Abdou FM Badgie Governor of Western Region and Mr Winston Shyngle, Deputy Mayor of Banjul.

Pa Kalifa Sanyang, Public Relations Officer at KMC chaired the ceremony.