Yeswecan
Foundation organized a daylong sensitisation workshop for schoolchildren on
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),at the Faraba Bantang Upper Basic School on
Saturday.
The
children were sensitised on the effects of FGM as well as how to eradicate the
practice in their communities.
In
his opening remarks, Musa Julday Mballow, Programme officer for Yeswecan
Foundation, thanked all those who attended the sensitization, saying the
foundation is based in Busumbala Kombo North District of the West Coast Region.
The
foundation is out to advocate and improve the lives of girls and women by
helping them to explore their full potential and be productive in the future.
He
said the foundation is a youth development oriented foundation established two
months ago, adding that it was not an easy thing to advocate for change.
Malang
Jawo, secretary general of the foundation, said the programme aimed to train
children and teacher coordinators on the effects of FGM.
He
said their aim was to completely eradicate FGM in the society because it was
harmful.
However,
he added, they also understandthat it’s a deep rooted tradition, saying through
advocacy they would be able to change the mindset of the people.
Jawo
said the programme is a six-month project that they are running and the project
started one month ago.
“We
train schools and community,” he said, adding that this was the second school
that they have trained.
They
also do radio programmes at Sen FM and FMB, he said.
He
said Yeswecan for Children Foundation is a foundation to advocate for the
rights and protection of the children at all levels.
Amina
Gibba, a participant, said the programme was important because it taught them a
lot on the effects of FGM.
Modou.
S. Bah, a Grade 8 C student, also said the programme was very important to them
as children because they have learned a lot about FGM.