The ABJ engagement, which took place at the school premises was the second the Network conducted as part of its ‘Right to Know Campaign.’ The first engagement was with student leaders of Mingdaw Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School in Farato.
The Never Again Network team engaged the students in conversation on various topics designed to empower and sensitise them on their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how best to prevent a recurrence of dictatorship and human rights violations in The Gambia.
More specifically, Network team members addressed the students on the importance of empowering young people, the importance of girls’ education and awareness of their rights, the need for boys to be supportive of their female siblings and cultivate responsible public behavior, and why it is important to continue the Never Again campaign in the post-TRRC period.
Questions raised by the Network and discussed with students included why never again, why we have a Government, what type of Government we have, the proper relationship between Government and people, and what type of society Gambians deserve going forward.
Discussing the questions enabled the Network to give students a brief overview of and insight into the making of the post-colonial nation-state system, human rights violations under the Jammeh dictatorship, the differences between monarchies and constitutional republics, where power really lies in a republic and how ultimately, Gambians are one big family that must strive hard to live together in peace, harmony and mutual love and respect.
The students were very much engaged in the conversation. Many asked insightful questions and contributed comments on various topics. Two female students recited poems on girls’ empowerment and the need for justice and reconciliation.
The event was also attended by the school’s principal, vice principal, and several members of their teaching staff.
