The participants were drawn from Kotu, Gunjur, Sanyang, Brufut and Kololi to be sensitised on the laws and punishments against sexual exploitation of children in The Gambia.
The sensitisation was also meant to encourage the participants to learn, share experiences and disseminate the information discussed.
The Gambia is one of the most known tourist destinations for child sexual exploitation in tourism.
To address this problem, there is an urgent need for community sensitisation and awareness raising on the dangers associated with it and the laws that prohibit it.
During the discussion sessions, the participants were exposed to the laws and punishment of sexual exploitation as stated in the Children's Act 2005 and the Tourism Offense Act 2003 respectively.
The participants were taken through the Children's Act 2005 and the Tourism Offences Act 2003 which prohibits sexual exploitation in The Gambia.
During the presentation sessions, the facilitators highlighted the penalties attached to the act of sexual exploitation of children.
Some participants strongly believed that Kololi, Kotu and its surroundings are among the major hotspots or areas in the Gambia in terms of sexual exploitation of children because these areas are known for hosting tourism activities, commercial sex workers, and young persons who are below 18 years old are being seen hanging around the Senegambia beaches, restaurants, bars and nightclubs where they are prone to sexual exploitation.
While applauding the initiative, participants encouraged more sensitization activities to be conducted within the tourism development area to raise more awareness of sexual exploitation and its related problems.
The organisers encouraged the participants and parents to be protectors of children and report any act of sexual exploitation and other related violations of the rights of all children in the country.
Meanwhile, minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie assured the young people of his ministry's commitment to equipping them with the required skills and competencies to excel and by extension help contribute to the socio-economic development of the Gambia.
"I challenge you to not only be the beneficiaries of opportunities but also to be the creators of opportunities,” he said. “Be the change-makers, innovators and advocates for a better world.”
Mr Badjie further challenged young people, saying: “Our success as a nation depends on your active engagement, dedication and commitment to the values that make us who we are as a nation."
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