By Haruna Kuyateh
Department of Community Development, Directorate of Social Welfare and Child together with Environmental Development Association The Gambia recently trained 96 Multidisciplinary Facilitation Team (MDFTS) on the Concept of Children on the Move.
The training was funded by UNICEF and UNDP, Kerewan North Bank Region.
The two days capacity development was part of UNICEF project Nsakeno (meaning we can do it together), which meant to strengthen decentralized structures.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan underscored the importance government attaches to the protection and welfare of children, citing a Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.
He said working with partners and stakeholders on child protection issues, would contribute immensely to support Village Development Committees (VDCs)and Ward Development Committees (WDCs) to the establishment of Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs) sub committees to protect children on the move.
He commended UNICEF and UNDP for their support to government development objectives.
Alagie Jawara, Regional Community Development Officer for NBR described capacity development as key which would help to support decentralized structures to promote the welfare and protection of children.
The program would promote good governance through active participation in decision making on child welfare issues.
He said MDFTS will work with decentralized structures on wide range on children on the move, education, health, FGMC and mainstream peace building to foster social cohesion and understanding.
Gibbi Bah Principal Community Development for Research and Development at Department of Community Development said the capacity development of stakeholders would enhance good governance at decentralized structures and promote in all-inclusive participation in protection of children from all forms of abuse.
He disclosed that the program is part of UNICEF support in scaling up Nsakeno project in NBR to help decentralized structures respond to the development needs of the population.
Mr Bah called on MDFTS to be proactive and vigilant in working with VDCs and WDCs to value child protection issues.
Filly Nyassy Assistance Social Welfare Officer at Directorate of Social Welfare and Modou Jarjusey CEDAG Regional Coordinator for NBR as well made remarks at the forum.