The Gambia’s First Lady, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, launches child protection and nutrition project in Jarra Soma, Lower River Region.

The project Nsaa Keno: Nutrition and Protection for Children on the Move was launched yesterday to promote the rights of children and provide nutrition to maximise the potential of children in the country.  

The First Lady described the launching as an opportunity for government and stakeholders to fulfil their commitment to upholding children’s rights. She said in her new role as a champion of the Children on the Move Initiative, she would continue advocating for the implementation of enacted legislations and policies that protects the rights of children.

“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.”

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

For her part, the Governor of Lower River Region, Fatou Jammeh Touray said the Nsa Kenno Project would provide better social services to the taxpayers and make decentralization a smooth process.

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

The Italian Ambassador to Senegal, Francesco Paalo Vanier said children issues were as important to Italy as it was to The Gambia. He said the fight against child malnutrition “is breaking away from poverty.”

The event was punctuated by cultural performances by women groups in Soma.