By: Lamin B. Darboe
Communication Officer, MoPS
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Gambia office, donated brand new Land Cruzer vehicle and office equipment to the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery (DSPD) under the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS).
The presentation was held on Thursday January 2, 2025 at the ministry`s grounds in Banjul, witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Pateh Jah, Deputy Chief of Staff and head of DSPD, Alieu Loum and other Directors within DSPD.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Public Service, Baboucarr Bouy described the presentation as a significant milestone of strategic collaboration and partnership between UNICEF and The Gambia Government in advancing the welfare of children development in the country.
“This donation follows the signing of an implementation plan to facilitate the implementation of the UNICEF’s Country program 2024-2028 and as a result, the collaboration yielded positive outcomes,” minister stated.
Minister Bouy catalogue achievements registered by his ministry through the DPSD as follows: stakeholder engagements and active participation of implementing partners in the country program implementation, document key success stories and best lessons through the joint monitoring initiatives.
Established operational strategic and technical coordination committees, a revised framework based on the mid-year review convergent in accelerating country program implementation and improve knowledge on monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects.
According to minister, his ministry’s focus is to ensure that Government programs and projects are effectively and efficiently executed and are impactful to the citizenry, adding that, the objective, aligns with UNICEF’s efforts and focus on health, education, child protection, social inclusion, and climate action for children which is also in line with Government of The Gambia Recovery Focus NDP 2023-2027 national priorities and development objectives.
According to minster Bouy, the donation came at a right time when his ministry is struggling with mobility challenges and other vital equipment to enhance their productivity. Adding that they are delighted to receive the equipment, which will significantly enhance the efficiency of his staff’s work.
He commended President Borrow for the support he is rendering to his ministry and he also assured UNICEF of his ministry’s unflinching commitment to move children and adolescent girls’ agenda forward.
For her part, UNICEF country Director- Gambia Office, Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique said what is important here is the real partnership between the Ministry of Public Service and UNICEF Gambia office.
“We want to reach to every child, everywhere, whether in the urban or rural areas, so as to realize every child’s rights in The Gambia. And to realize that, MoPS is the sector who brings all sectors and actors together to have holistic approach development when it comes to child rights,” UNICEF boss explained.
“Presentation of these equipment signify the commencement of the partnership between UNICEF and the ministry starting from January 2025 to years ahead. They will make your work effective. We are also banking on you as a ministry to look forward for deeper partnership,” UNICEF boss concludes.
