By: Haruna Kuyateh
Action Aid International the Gambia (AAITG) in partnership with Global Platforms and Global Week of Climate Action has on Saturday organized Certificates Award ceremony and Thanks Giving Day for fifty seven (57) Graduates on Sponsorship.
The award ceremony which took place at AlbredaUpper Basic and Senior Secondary School of Nuimi in the North Bank Region was in recognition of communities’ utmost support to development projects and programmes in promoting equal rights to education and children development. And also community level approach applying Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA).
Saikou Darboe, Manager Local Rights Programme(LRP 9) at Juffureh Office described that day as important in AAITG’s annual calendar to thank sponsorship children for their commitment and dedication in education. He disclosed that eighty percent (80%) of funds were raised by AAITG are being utilized in boosting education, community projects, food and nutrition security, governance in Upper Nuimi. The agency he said, believes in adopting Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) in poverty reduction.
The Juffureh Office provides employment opportunities for youths, support youths and women in agriculture in an effort to address irregular migration.
Kebba Sonko, President of Hakalang Senela Kafo of Upper Nuimi applauded intervention in Upper Nuimiin strengthening farmers capacity and contribute to educational development and poverty reduction. He disclosed that the support in the form of small ruminants’ farm implements and donkeys contributed immensely in strengthening smallholder farmers to boost production and address irregular migration. And to sponsor children helps to enhance retention and performance in school.
Alieu Ndow, Cluster Monitor of Medina Serigne Mass cluster at Regional Education for their invaluable support to education of children within Upper Nuimi, noting that the support has greatly enhanced teaching and learning and contribute to the attainment of quality education and standards. He recalled that the recent Child Sponsorship Fun Day celebration at BakalarrLower Basic School, provision of writing books and core subjects’ text books among other things provided opportunity for pupils to interact and showcase their cultural and traditional talents, and called for a replica of such gesture to other schools.
Kodou Ndow, on behalf of the Sponsorship childrenfrom grade 3 at Pakau Njogu Basic Cycle School expressed joy and happiness for the sponsorship package, noting that it has empowered the ( 57) beneficiaries in their academic engagement and in designing and formulating community projects, citing farm implements, small ruminants, poultry breeding and donkeys to support food production. She noted their sponsorship over the years with learning materials, shoes and bicycles for long distance travelers and capacity development on principles of human rights including Gender Based Violence.
Mariama Saidy, on behalf of parents hailed AAITG for promoting human rights and empowerment of vulnerable children and parents.
