Child Fund The Gambia – child rights advocacy institution remembered brutal massacre of school children of Soweto by the then apartheid regime of South Africa.
“The brutal massacre of school children of Soweto by the then apartheid regime of South Africa in June 1976 is remembered as the Day of the African Child, commemorated on June 16 since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union,” a statement posted by the office said.
“30 years on, ChildFund The Gambia joined by partners in Bwiam for three days long series of activities by children including drama and poetry competition, sports, debate, film show and a highlight event of a resolution to be presented to the authorities as reminder of their obligations to children. This year’s theme is: “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the office also said: “From two research exercises conducted by ChildFund- The Gambia, girls informed us that the biggest threat facing most of them is early (child) marriage. The alarm bells prompted ChildFund to consult partners including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and Child Protection Alliance to work towards ending child marriage in The Gambia. Please join us.”
In separate development, Child Fund The Gambia said: “When children lack their basic education needs, it becomes a problem for them to acquire quality education. Most children in The Gambia lack access to electricity to enable them study safely at night.”
“But then, another breakthrough, as ChildFund has intervened by providing them solar-powered lamps for their night studies at home. The lamps would ensure children and their families’ safety, as some of them would otherwise resort to the use of candle. The lamps were handed over to ChildFund -The Gambia Local Partners by ChildFund Country Director Musu Kuta Komma-Bah for onward delivery to the children. Reliable and sustainable!”