Gambian First Lady Barrow launches child protection, nutrition project

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) – Gambian First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Thursday launched the Nutrition and Protection for Children on the Move project at Jarra Soma in the Lower River Region, about 30 km outside Banjul, an official statement said.

The project seeks to strengthen regional and local government structures, provide an opportunity for all people to understand the rights of children and the need for their protection.

Additionally, it is designed to provide adequate nutrition to maximize the potential of children.

Mrs Barrow, the statement said, described the launching as an opportunity for government and stakeholders to fulfill their commitment to upholding children’s rights.

She said that, in her new role as champion of Children on the Move initiative, she would continue advocating the implementation of enacted legislation and policies that protected their rights.

‘’I will continue working with Civil society organizations and the UN system in The Gambia to reach out to communities and families in a bid to increase awareness on how to ensure and maintain the best interest of the child at all times,’’ she stressed.

Mrs. Barrow commended the Italian government, through its ambassador and the UN system in The Gambia, particularly UNICEF and UNDP, for supporting such a project.

Governor of Lower River Region Fatou Jammeh Touray said the project would provide better social services to taxpayers and make decentralization a smooth process.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, highlighted the leading role the UN played in pushing the agenda of the government, particularly the National Development Plan, stating that the project was aimed at reducing malnutrition among children and discouraging migration by creating opportunities.

The Italian Ambassador to Senegal, Francesco Paalo Vanier, said children issues were as important to Italy as they were to The Gambia, adding that the fight against child malnutrition was breaking away from poverty.

-0- PANA MSS/RA 31Jan2019