By: Nyima Sillah
The National Coordinator of Child Protection Alliance (CPA), Lamin Fatty, has contended that no seriousness is put in place to address issues of child begging.
“When we talk about the welfare of children you will realize that most often is not in a pleasant tone because there are a lot of things that need to be done and also put into consideration. I have not seen any tangible program or effort that would withdraw these children from the stress and support them,” Fatty told The Voice in an exclusive interview.
He went on to point out that 40% of the Gambian population is children, and a greater percentage of those children come from a less privileged family.
CPA National Coordinator noted that survival in the country is difficult as parents have primary responsibilities to ensure the child is well fed. “But if they don’t have what to give out to ensure that the child is well taken care of in terms of health, education, food, quality shelter, then what do you expect the child or such children to do,” he asked.
Mr. Fatty pointed out further that one of the serious indicators that should be looked at for a country to manifest its commitment to the pride of children is to effectively put resources into the pride of children, asserting that The Gambia is not a country that can have serious budgeting allocation to programs relating to children.
He described the services relating to children as a ‘joke.’ “I will say we are not too serious yet when it comes to the issue of budgeting allocation in terms of programs and services to the protection of children’s welfare in The Gambia,” he added.
“You can put millions of dalasi but they might not end up making any positive impact on children because looking at the budget composition of The Gambia you have part of the money dedicated to ministries or government agencies,” he enunciated and added that
“80 to 90% of that belongs to the current expenditure, and current expenditure does not take care of education, health, or any other programs related to children, it is all about overhead expenditure allowances and salaries,” he claimed.
Mr. Fatty also a part-time lecturer on child protection laws and welfare at the university, further stated that there is a need to work around to see how best budget allocation could be well structured, and keep track of all the expenditures.
Despite the efforts the government is making together with CSOs, he explained, the landscape is still not conducive for children as the child protection environment in The Gambia is not too impressive looking at some of the abuses and exploitation that children are exposed to.
To avert this situation, he suggested, the state should be able to invest in the less privileged families and improve the budget allocation to services and programs that are geared towards the protection of children as the state must be responsible for the protection and welfare of children.
