By Fatoumatta Gassama
UNICEF through the Ministry of Health recently donated one pickup vehicle and seven motorbikes to the Department of Social Welfare to improve mobility for child protection and handing over was held at the Central Medical Store in Kotu.
Fatou Kinteh Minister of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare said the vehicle and motorcycle is timely and no surprised to her Ministry because they are aware of UNICEF interest in the welfare and development of children.
She calls on all partners to galvanise and harnessed their energies and resources and work together with the department of social welfare to make The Gambia the most child-friendly country in the world.
She added that donating vehicles to the department of social welfare is an investment in children as most of their services are geared towards responding to cases and activities related to child protection.
Kinteh urged partners to protect children, women, and vulnerable people from all form of violence, such as abuse, neglect and exploitation and also not to turn a blind eye on child abuse.
She assured UNICEF that the vehicle and motorcycle will be put into good use.
Sandra Lattouf, UNICEF county representative said the department of Social Welfare contributes critical role in safe guarding and improving the life of the most vulnerable people including women and children.
She added that UNICEF are doing what they are known for, as a UN Agency that work with the government to protect children, adding her office will continues to partner with the department of Social Welfare and by extension to the government of The Gambia in protecting children which is also a mandate to social welfare.
Gibril Jarju, director of planning ministry of health, said UNICEF has contributed to child rights welfare and child protection in the country, adding that the vehicle and motorcycles will facilitate the services rendered to children and the vulnerable people.
