Young people in the media (YPM), a youth and children advocate group, as part of its annual programmes, celebrated the past International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) in a form of Radio talk show dubbed ‘Kids talent show’ hosted at Unique FM radio station.
The aim of the daylong show that brought together children and young people was to share and showcase talent in education and entertainment.
The day was also characterised by panel discussion on the importance of education and a debate on children issues.
Speaking to our reporter at the venue, Adama Lee Bah, president of YPM, said young people take airwaves to discuss issues of children from various schools, especially children with special needs, saying YPM is committed to helping children and young people improve their dreams and hopes while discussing issues affecting them.
Bah added that one of their key topics is, ‘How do parents explore their children’s talent’, whose underlying message is that: “Parents should explore their children’s talents”.
She added that the ICDB is the day children are given the opportunity to share their talent and take charge of the airwaves, saying the occasion is celebrated each year.
She commended their sponsor, Trust Bank Gambia Limited, for funding the programme and Unique FM for their unflinching support to the course of young people and children.
For Abdou Jatta, UNICEFSpeak Africa Youth spokesperson for The Gambia, who was also the former president of the YPM, this is a good initiative for young people to showcase their talent with their active participation through the media, saying one fundamental principle of their network is right to participation.
He added that over the years they have seen active participation of young people in The Gambia, saying that Speak for Africa will continue to partner with young people to achieve their dreams and further exploit their talents so as to enable them better contribute meaningfully towards the development of The Gambia.
Fanta Sidibeh, youth coordinator of YPM, said they organize this forum for young people to get them to meet and discuss issues affecting them. “Young people play active role in the media,” she said, adding: “We aim to create awareness and advocacy on issues affecting young people and children.”
