By: Binta Jaiteh
Members of the Children’s National Assembly have urged the government to significantly increase budgetary support for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, citing the need for stronger policies and services that directly impact the wellbeing and protection of Gambian children.
The call was made during a joint initiative by UNICEF The Gambia, the government and the National Youth Council, aimed at promoting the inclusion of children in national planning and budgetary processes.
The session provided children with a platform to discuss their priorities in line with this year’s Day of the African Child theme and to emphasise how crucial adequate funding is for the fulfilment of their rights.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Country Representative Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique stressed the importance of amplifying children’s voices, describing them as the leaders of the future.
“We cannot implement anything for children if the budget is not allocated. Be it birth registration, schooling, protection, health, or water and sanitation all require funding,” she said. She urged the children to pose thoughtful questions to government representatives to ensure their concerns are taken seriously and addressed.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita explained that the largest share of the national budget already goes towards children’s development. “More than five billion dalasi’s is allocated to the education sector alone. This does not include allocations for children’s affairs under the Gender Ministry and other related sectors,” he said.
Minister Keita stressed that the government viewed spending on children not as an expense but as an investment in the country’s human capital. “The most important investment is investing in yourself. The government starts investing in children even before they are born, beginning with parental care,” he said.
He assured the young participants that these investments will secure The Gambia’s future. “When these investments pay off, you will grow up to take over the leadership of this country. We are here to listen to your concerns about how government resources are allocated so you can hold us to account,” Keita maintained.
For her part, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, reaffirmed that children were the future leaders of the country and needed all possible support to succeed. “You need all the support to have a good start in life. Without that, it will be difficult to achieve your dreams. The responsibility lies with every patriotic citizen to help groom you,” she said.
She added that the government continues to support children’s needs as part of its commitment to safeguarding their welfare. “We will make sure that all your priorities are implemented for the betterment of the country,” she assured.
Tida Barrow, Deputy Speaker of the youth parliament closed the session, by recommending that the two ministries consider the concerns raised by the young members to ensure their voices shape future policies and budgets.