By Ebrima Mbaye
In a historic display of civic engagement, children from across The Gambia confronted top government officials in a groundbreaking dialogue on public financing for children, held at the National Assembly in Banjul on June 28, 2025. Organized by the National Youth Council (NYC) in partnership with UNICEF, the event brought together cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and members of the Children’s National Assembly of The Gambia (CNAG) to scrutinize how national budgets address the needs of the country’s youngest citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
The forum aimed to evaluate the design and implementation of child-sensitive, inclusive budgetary allocations that respond to the realities of Gambian children. With children comprising a significant portion of the population, their voices took center stage in a dialogue that underscored their role as future leaders and active contributors to the nation’s present.
Gibairu Janneh, Director of Communications, ICT, Protocol & Press, opened the event with a powerful call to action. “The future of every republic rests on the shoulders of its children,” he declared. “UNICEF and the National Assembly recognize that children are leaders today. Investing in them now secures our republic tomorrow.”
UNICEF Country Representative Nafisa Binte Abdullah emphasized the critical role of budgeting in upholding children’s rights. “Nothing is possible without budget allocation,” she said. “This dialogue is about ensuring our budgets are planned and implemented in a child-friendly, inclusive manner.”
Lawmakers echoed this commitment. Hon. Fatoumatta Njie, Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare, affirmed, “Children are the majority of our population, and their voices must not be sidelined. We are dedicated to ensuring their needs are prioritized in budget discussions.”
Representing the executive, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, addressed the young participants directly. “You are the future of this country—future ministers, presidents, and National Assembly members. You need support today to build a better tomorrow,” she said.
Hon. Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, provided a detailed overview of the government’s financial commitments, noting, “Over GMD 5 billion is allocated annually for basic and secondary education alone, excluding child-focused programs in health, gender, youth, and sports. These are not expenses—they are investments in our future.”
The children, represented by the CNAG, were not there merely to listen. In a striking demonstration of accountability, they posed direct and incisive questions to the ministers. Hon. Tida Barrow, a CNAG representative, delivered a heartfelt plea: “Please try your best to address the issues affecting children and solve them.”
Other CNAG members pressed for specifics. Hon. Sukai Bojang from the West Coast Region (WCR) questioned whether Madrassa students were included in national financing strategies. Hon. Haddijatou Drammeh from Banjul South raised concerns about the inclusion of children with disabilities and those in remote areas. Hon. Gibril Ndure from Kanifing Municipality inquired about support systems for officials to uphold children’s rights, while Hon. Binta Komma, also from WCR, asked about measures to ensure the full implementation of child protection laws.
Ministers responded with assurances of their commitment, but the event highlighted a deeper truth: adequate public financing must go beyond numbers to transform lives. The dialogue, according to organizers, is part of a broader movement to institutionalize child-responsive budgeting and center children’s voices in governance.
This landmark engagement marks a turning point for The Gambia, signaling a national commitment to inclusive development. By amplifying the voices of its youngest citizens, the country is laying the foundation for a future where every child’s potential is nurtured and their rights are upheld through accountable, child-focused governance.
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