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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26952, member: 2262"] On Sunday, March 2nd, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare Fatou Kinteh engaged with children to celebrate International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB). The event took place at the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting's conference hall and focused on the importance of children's voices in building a strong nation. Minister Kinteh stressed the significance of recognizing and celebrating the role children play in shaping The Gambia's future. She highlighted this year's theme, Amplifying Young Voices, Building a Better Future, which emphasizes the need to empower children and give them opportunities to express themselves. The Minister believes that Gambian children have incredible potential, and everyone in society must work together to make sure their voices are heard, respected, and valued. By creating spaces where children can express themselves through media, community initiatives, or social platforms, we nurture an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and advocacy. According to Minister Kinteh, the Gambian government has made significant progress in advancing children's rights and welfare, especially when it comes to media engagement. They've developed legal frameworks like the Children Act of 2005, ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. These frameworks aim to protect children's rights, including their access to information and freedom of expression. However, Minister Kinteh acknowledged that implementing media-related policies is still limited due to a lack of resources. She called for more training for media professionals, the development of appropriate child-friendly content, and stronger enforcement of existing laws. The digital divide is another major challenge, with many children in rural areas lacking access to technology and missing out on educational and informative media. The rapid evolution of digital media also means policies and regulations need constant updates to ensure children's online safety. Minister Kinteh urged stakeholders to actively listen to young voices and ensure they have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to create positive change. Education, mentorship, and media representation all play crucial roles in empowering children to reach their full potential. She called on media outlets to prioritize child-friendly content that reflects young people's hopes, concerns, and dreams. It's time to break down barriers and have open conversations that support their ambitions. As The Gambia celebrates International Children's Day of Broadcasting, Minister Kinteh reaffirmed the government's commitment to putting young voices at the forefront of national growth and development. Let's amplify their voices today for a brighter tomorrow. [/QUOTE]

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