CPA takes campaign against child maltreatment to other civil societies

The training, held at NaNA conference hall at Bertil Harding Highway, was funded by Save the Children International in the drive to promote child rights protection in The Gambia.

Lamin K. Ceesay, CPA youth coordinator, said the training was organised based on the fact that “there is absolute need” for organisations serving the interest of children to come together to harmonise efforts, consolidate gains and map out possible strategies to address child protection issues in The Gambia.

It was also geared towards complementing the efforts of the government in catering for children in the country.

During the two days, the participants were educated on child protection issues such as physical and humiliating punishments, legal instruments, child rights misconceptions, child protection issues, UN global study on violence against children, discipline versus punishment, and gender-based violence.

“These areas are very key in addressing child rights issues in The Gambia,” Mr Ceesay said, adding that the training was under a project that seeks to address issues of violence against children.

The project targets civil society organisations, parents, and key government ministries because violence against children happens everywhere so all should be prepared to fight it.

Sheikh Lewis, chairperson of CPA board of directors, said the organisation has gone pass protecting children; it is now an institution where experts are produced.

He said instead of CPA going to people, people will come to CPA to have their capacities built.

“We have seen heads of project that are products of CPA as well as lecturers at the UTG,” Mr Lewis said.

“This is all happening because of the interest the people have in protecting the children of The Gambia.”