Banjul, 06th March 2025: Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, and Hon. Ismailia Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, on March 2nd 2025 engaged in an intergenerational dialogue with children with a group as part of activities marking the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting. The dialogue was held at the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services on MDI Road in Kanifing.
Both ministers welcomed the children’s participation in the discussion and encouraged them to continue voicing their concerns.
The dialogue took the form of a question-and-answer session, in which children had the opportunity to pose questions to both ministers. The questions were directed to the respective ministries, while others were broader questions concerning government policies.
Both ministers assured the children of the government’s commitment to their welfare and protection. They informed the children that the government of President Barrow has its citizens at heart and that children are part and parcel of their development agenda.
One of the primary concerns raised by the children was the protection from abuse, particularly child beggars.
Hon. Kinteh explained that her ministry conducts background checks on affected children and intervenes by supporting families facing financial hardship. She highlighted the government’s “Family Strengthening Support” initiative, which has helped some families and reduced the number of children engaged in street begging.
The Gender and Children’s Minister also addressed concerns regarding children attending Madarassas, explaining that her ministry supports Madarassa owners to minimise the need for students to beg on the streets. She mentioned that a dedicated committee engages with these institutions to understand their challenges and provide necessary assistance.
Regarding children’s rights, Hon. Kinteh reiterated that since President Adama Barrow’s administration took office, children’s rights have been a top priority. She emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that Gambian children have access to opportunities and a better future. She noted significant progress in advancing children’s rights and welfare, including legal frameworks; such as the Children’s Act 2005, various policies and strategies, and the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. “These efforts aim to protect children’s rights, including their access to information and freedom of expression, which is essential in the media landscape,” she stated.
The Information Minister, Hon. Ismaila Ceesay responded to questions about rural education, assuring the children that the government is committed to ensuring all children receive quality education. He emphasised that efforts are ongoing to improve access to education for children in rural areas.
Hon. Ceesay also responded to a question about the role of his ministry, and how the government disseminates information. He explained that the government does not merely react to information but actively informs the public. He noted that under the Barrow administration, media licensing has expanded, allowing for increased access to information. He assured the children that access to information has improved significantly under the current government.
He further informed the children that the Access to Information Act enables citizens to request information within the legal framework.
Minister Ceesay expressed hope that such engagements would not be limited to two ministers but could be expanded to include more government officials in future discussions.
The children also raised issues such as car stoning, substance abuse, and other criminal activities affecting young people. Both ministers acknowledged these concerns and assured the children that the government remains committed to addressing these challenges.
The intergenerational dialogue served as a platform for children to engage with policymakers, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
By Sarjo M Camara
Children Engage Information, Gender & Children’s Ministers in Intergenerational Dialogue
