Voice of the Young at the weekend organised an Inter-organisation Drama Competition at Abuko Upper Basic School to sensitise the public on commercial sexual exploitation of children in The Gambia.
The sensitization campaign included enlighten people about the forms the exploitation takes, how it occurs, its negative effects on children and families and how communities and professionals can ensure children are protected.
The function was facilitated by the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) who brought more than 300 people from schools, youth and children organisations, civil society organisations, the communities and the media to witness the inter-organisation drama competition.
The CPA and Voice of the Young raise awareness on child rights and responsibilities and empower children with knowledge, information and the necessary skills to participate meaningfully and actively in decision-making issues involving children and youth, who are the victims.
In the year 2000, the International Labour Organisation estimated that 1.8 million children the world over are involved in child prostitution and pornography, and 1.2 million were victims of child trafficking.
Hence the CPA and Voice of the Young, with funding from Ecpat International, organised the inter-organisation drama competition as part of activities in enhancing child participation in countering sexual abuse and exploitation.
Four child and youth organisations, namely Serrekunda Central Red Cross Link, Bundung Home Red Cross Link, Child Advocacy, and Voice of The Young, took part in the drama.