Lamin
Manga, Russian Consulate to The Gambia, who also doubles as Chairperson of the
Board of Directors of Young People in the Media (YPM) inspired young talents at
the recent International Children’s Day of Broadcasting organized by YPM in
collaboration with ChildFund Gambia and stakeholders in child protection.
The
theme was “Empowering Children in a digital World Through Effective
Communication”.
The
YPM Board chairperson spoke on the need to recognise the significant role
played by children in shaping a brighter future for every country.
He
noted that children, despite been young, should be placed at the forefront of
the development agenda in order for them to be prepared for the future.
Mr
Manga said it was common knowledge that in The Gambia, children are mostly seen
as people without great ideas and that they cannot have a voice to contribute
positively towards nations building if this is perpetuated.
“For
this reason,” he added, “The Young People in The Media will launch the ‘Girl in
ITC Campaign’ in support of the girl child in advocacy and the media.”
This
campaign will ensure that boys support their female counterparts to raise
awareness on issues affecting girls using the media.
He
noted’; “We must labour to find solutions to these problems. Children are used
as child soldiers and wives in senseless adult conflicts, deprived of their
livelihood, education, smooth and uninterrupted growth and development as well
as the right to enjoy their childhood.”
Manga
said in The Gambia, children are faced with different kinds of abuse including
physical, sexual and emotional abuse, thus they are at times deprived of the
right to education and exposed to extreme and negative conditions.
In
most instances, he said, the girl child suffers the most particularly in the
area of child marriage.
He
called on all present and all nations to reflect on the plight of children and
work towards resolving these issues in order to give children a better life.
The
International Children’s Day of Broadcasting is one of UNICEF’s most successful
advocacy initiatives.
It
supports some of the world’s most powerful and influential broadcasting
organizations and broadcasters from all over the world to allow children space
in their media outlets.
