The Young People in the Media, The Gambia, in partnership with UNICEF Banjul Office and UNIQUE FM Radio Station will this Sunday March 7th hold an Inter-Generational Dialogue forum at the front ground of UNIQUE FM Radio Station, along Garba Jahumpa Road, Fajara as part of activities marking the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting- a day when broadcasters air quality programming for and about children, but more importantly, they allow children to be part of the programming and production process, to talk about their hopes, dreams, fears and challenges in life.
Mrs. Fatou Camara-Saidy, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Young People in the Media, noted that ICDB is a joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Every year, thousands of broadcasters in more than a hundred countries take part in the day, celebrating it in ways that are as unique and special as children themselves.
Television and radio broadcasters continued to mark the International Children's Day of Broadcasting with distinctive and dynamic programming produced in their own countries.
The Proprietress of I Media Company stated that young people in The Gambia looks to this day to showcase their talents on diverse areas, thus it has earned The Gambia recognition to win the UNICEF Regional ICDB award for West and
She expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of President Jammeh for creating a child friendly environment for Gambian children and young people over the years. She noted that ICDB was created to give exposure to issues of children's rights and protection in the media.
Youth participation and expression are also rights and are an integral part of adolescent development. Broadcasters have the chance to empower young people by giving them media skills and putting their voices on the air. This shows other young people that they too can have a voice and shows the world young people’s thoughts about their lives and communities.
According to Ms Fanta Sidibeh, Youth Coordinator of Young People in the Media, The Gambia, the Inter-generational Dialogue Forum between parents, stakeholders, and young people themselves will give them the opportunity to debate on the theme of this year, "All Rights All Children." The dialogue forum will attract 200 young people from various schools and children and youth organisation.
Modou C Nyang, the Secretary -General of YPM noted that there is so much about this world that young people need to learn - from history to cultural norms and values.
Nyang maintained that "after 15 successful years, we continued to view ICDB as an innovative way to increase children's participation in the broadcasting industry."
He added that the success of ICDB hinges not only on the support of broadcasters, but also the participation of children. When young people's voices are heard, the benefits are exponential.
The Attorney-General and Minster of Justice, Honorable Marie Saine Firdaus, will serve as the Keynote Speaker, other dignitaries will be the Director of Social Welfare Mrs. Fanta Bai Secka, Hon Sirra Wally Ndow Njie Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Madam Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, Executive Director of FRAP. Papa Yusufa Njie Proprietor of UNIQUE Solution, Lamin Manga, Properitor of UNIQUE FM, Oumou Taal, Regional Director of SOS Children's Village, National Coordinator of Child Protection Alliance,among other dignitaries.
Ms Bintou Sonko, a seasoned Gambian Child and Rights activist alongside Abdou Jatta, Africa Youth spokesperson for The Gambia, who also doubles as the Deputy Clerk of the National Youth Parliament of The Gambia, are expected to moderate the dialogue forum.
In honour of the 20th anniversary of the CRC, UNICEF calls for broadcasters around the world to invite young people into the studio and on the air to share their opinions and access their rights to media and expression.
In joining the network of broadcasters in celebrating the ICDB in 2010, Tune in to Kids UNICEF will award the International Children's Day of Broadcasting Award to honour television and radio broadcasters who capture the spirit of the ICDB.
