UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager, Emmanuel Michaud, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that with more than half of The Gambia’s population under the age of 18, child rights advocacy is a national priority. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting government, communities, and academic institutions in advancing child protection, education, health, and welfare.
“The Child Rights Centre, launched in December 2025 at UTG, is the result of a growing partnership between the university and UNICEF, inspired by recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Centre focuses on three key areas: integrating child rights into university curricula, promoting research, and strengthening student engagement,” Michaud explained.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of UTG, Charles Ebere underscored the importance of child rights support, noting that the graduating ambassadors completed a rigorous 15-day training covering critical issues such as child protection, gender equality, harmful practices, and the right to education. He described the programme as both intensive and transformative, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to advocate for children in their communities.
He commended the graduates, describing them as “bridges between policy and practice” and future leaders tasked with amplifying children’s voices and defending their rights.
Coordinator of the Child Rights Centre, Yahya Bah, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and UTG for their partnership and commitment to child protection in The Gambia. He noted that the initiative is expected to expand, with more students to be enrolled in subsequent cohorts, as the university continues to position itself as a hub for child rights advocacy and research in the country.
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