ChildFund reducing child-harassment in rural Gambia

Speaking to The Point, many parents and various people in communities in Nianija around the Central River Region north, have explained how they have been trained by ChildFund on nurturing and promoting the welfare of their children and how this has changed the perception they have on how to deal with their children.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Point on this matter, Ma Khaddi Sillah said that after series of training sessions offered by ChildFund to them, it has led to some form of attitudinal change, and this has at least led to a reduction of beatings and harassment of children in households.

One Binta Mass also expressed the same sentiment, adding that through the programme by ChildFund, they have learnt effective child-care mechanisms. She acknowledges that they have realised that abusive and aggressive attitude towards children is not a way.

Through the Playful Parenting Sessions, ChildFund The Gambia has also discouraged child-harassment in form of discrimination due to physical or mental condition. Physically or mentally challenged children find it very difficult to be well cared for especially in the rural communities as they are sidelined and put aside from other children.

The organisation has taught caregivers and parents alike on how to handle such children to prevent further traumatisation of their lives as acknowledged by many in an interview exclusively with The Point.

Caregivers have reiterated significant enhancement of their capacity in caring for such children.

Across the board, ChildFund The Gambia was hailed and commended for the life-changing initiative, and many are optimistic about such programmes in the near future.