Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Children’s National Assembly today opened its third sitting at the National Assembly Chambers, delivering a strong message to leaders under the theme “Working with Children to Build a Better Gambia.”
Young parliamentarians used the platform to highlight urgent issues affecting Gambian children, including education, teenage pregnancy, human trafficking, climate change, healthcare, and access to opportunities.
On inclusive education, members lamented the persistent exclusion of children with disabilities. One delegate declared, “Disability is not in our dictionary. We are capable, and we deserve equal opportunities.” Another added, “Communities should stop discriminating against children and treat all children like their own.”
Turning to teenage pregnancy, the young lawmakers described it as a devastating barrier to education. “It hurts me when I see a child drop out of school because of pregnancy. It hurts me when a girl loses her life because of teenage pregnancy. Each and every child has the right to education,” one speaker told the chamber.
The issue of human trafficking was described as “rampant in our societies,” with participants calling it “a very sad and painful reality that must be addressed.”
Children also spoke passionately about climate change, warning that it is a crisis already reshaping their lives. “Climate change destroys our homes and dreams,” one parliamentarian said. Another urged the government to “invest in clean energy and include climate change in the school curriculum so children grow as protectors of nature.”
On healthcare, members drew attention to frequent shortages of medicines and medical supplies. “We are not asking for problems; we are asking for fairness and dignity. Children need access to healthcare to live healthy and safe lives,” one stated.
The assembly also stressed the importance of sports and youth empowerment. “Sports create opportunities, and every child deserves the chance to experience that,” a young parliamentarian argued.
International guests, including a delegation from Senegal, observed the session, which ended with a collective appeal to leaders. The children’s message was clear and uncompromising: “We are tired of promises. We want action. No child should be left behind.”
