By Alieu Ceesay
ActionAid International The Gambia (AAITG) marked the International Day of the African Child on June 16 in Albadarr, North Bank Region, with a powerful call for increased investment in children’s rights. Under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” the event highlighted the critical need for financial planning and resource allocation to protect and empower African children, particularly in The Gambia.
The International Day of the African Child is annually celebrated to promote the resilience of young Africans and their rights. This year’s commemoration urged authorities to prioritize funding for child protection and development, ensuring a brighter future for the continent’s youth.
Alagie Camara, AAITG’s Child Sponsorship Manager, addressed parents, guardians, and partners at the event, emphasizing their role in safeguarding children from harmful practices such as child marriage, child labor, exploitation, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). “I am calling on all institutions, including AAITG partners, to include children’s voices in budgeting discussions to reflect their needs and priorities better,” Camara said. He reaffirmed AAITG’s unwavering commitment to empowering every child, regardless of background.
Deputy Governor of the North Bank Region, Dembo Samateh, praised the government’s efforts to advance children’s rights, notably by establishing the Ministry of Children and Gender Affairs. “To the young people, you are not only the future, you are the present. Your voice matters. Your dreams matter,” Samateh declared. He assured attendees that regional and national authorities would continue advocating for children’s safety, education, and empowerment.
However, Samateh acknowledged persistent challenges, including poverty, climate shocks, early marriage, and inadequate service delivery, which continue to undermine child welfare. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these barriers and creating a supportive environment for children.
Representing students, Salymatou Joof from Alberadeh Senior Secondary School appealed to the authorities. “The view of the child means that the voice of the child must be heard and acknowledged at all times,” she said. Joof urged policymakers to ensure all children have access to shelter, healthcare, and basic needs to support their physical and mental development.
The event served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for policies and budgets that prioritize children’s well-being. Since 2010, progress has been made in promoting children’s rights in The Gambia, but gaps remain. Adequate funding for education, healthcare, and protection services is crucial to addressing ongoing challenges and fulfilling the promises made to African children.
AAITG’s commemoration brought together community leaders, students, and stakeholders to reflect on the strides made and the work still ahead of them. By amplifying children’s voices, the organization aims to influence budgeting processes and ensure that resources reach those who are most in need.
The International Day of the African Child is a celebration and a call to action. In The Gambia, where children make up a significant portion of the population, their rights and needs must remain at the forefront of national development. As Camara, Samateh, and Joof emphasized, empowering children today lays the foundation for a stronger, more equitable future.
Through initiatives like this, AAITG continues to advocate for inclusive policies and sustainable investments in children’s rights. The event in Albadarr underscored the collective responsibility to protect and uplift the next generation, ensuring every child in The Gambia and across Africa has the opportunity to thrive.
As the day concluded, attendees left with a renewed commitment to championing children’s rights, inspired by the voices of young advocates like Salymatou and the dedication of organizations like AAITG.
