By: Ebrima Mbaye
The University of The Gambia (UTG) on Wednesday celebrated a historic milestone, graduating its inaugural cohort of 15 Child Rights Ambassadors following an intensive 14-day training programme on child rights, protection, and advocacy.
The graduation ceremony, held at the School of Arts and Sciences on the Faraba campus, underscores the growing commitment to embedding child rights within higher education and community action in The Gambia. The initiative is part of a strategic partnership between UTG and UNICEF to bolster national child protection systems and empower youth as advocates.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Ndeye Maty Paye, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, praised the graduates for their dedication. “You have successfully completed a rigorous programme, and I am confident that you are now well-prepared to promote and defend the rights of children within your various communities,” she said.
UNICEF Country Programme Manager Emmanuel Michaud reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to safeguarding children in The Gambia. “UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government of The Gambia, communities, and civil society organisations in protecting children,” Michaud stated. He noted that the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has repeatedly called for stronger protection measures, describing initiatives like this as essential to meeting those obligations.
Michaud also highlighted a key development in the partnership: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UTG’s Vice Chancellor and UNICEF, which led to the official launch of the Child Rights Centre at the university in December 2025. “This graduating cohort represents the first of many under this important partnership,” he said. The centre’s guiding pillars include mainstreaming child rights into university curricula, fostering student engagement, and enhancing research collaboration.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Charles Ebere described the programme as transformative. “This programme has turned you from passive observers into ethical advocates for marginalised children,” he told the graduates. “You must now serve as role models, protect the dignity of children, and champion their interests at all times.” He stressed that the certification marks the start of a lifelong commitment rather than its conclusion.
Coordinator of the Child Rights Centre, Yahya Muhammed Bah, encouraged ongoing engagement with the facility. “The centre remains open and accessible to all students. Despite its recent establishment, it is already making a significant impact within and beyond the university,” he said. Bah revealed the programme’s competitiveness, noting that only 15 ambassadors were selected from more than 270 applicants—an indication of rising student interest in child rights advocacy.
The most outstanding ambassador, Zainab Drammeh, delivered the vote of thanks, calling the training both impactful and empowering. “Though the training was short, it has been very impactful. We are grateful to UNICEF, the university management, and all stakeholders,” she said. “We will be ambassadors not only in name, but in action and deeds.
Prince Lamin Dumbuya, Justice Minister of the University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU), outlined expectations for the new ambassadors. He urged them to translate their knowledge into concrete actions through community engagement, school advocacy, and protection initiatives. “This cohort must serve as change-makers and role models, inspiring others within and beyond the university,” he added.
Graduates shared their enthusiasm and resolve. Ousman Jawara expressed honour at being part of the first cohort and pledged to sensitise communities and challenge misconceptions around children’s rights. Sukai Fatajo, a student from the School of Journalism and Digital Media, described the experience as “a journey of learning, unlearning, and growth.” “Now that I have graduated, I feel more prepared and confident to champion children’s rights,” she said. “From ink to voice, from silence to sound, I speak because I am an ambassador.”
