04/08/2026
GSIC, UNICEF Organise Faith-Based Key Message Development Workshop to Advance Child Rights
The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), in partnership with UNICEF and relevant stakeholders, has launched a four-day workshop to develop faith-based key messages that are culturally grounded to promote Exclusive Breastfeeding, Uptake of Immunisation, Early Birth Registration, School Enrolment and Retention and Open Defecation Free in The Gambia.
Held at the NaNA Conference Hall in Bakau on 3rd August 2026, the workshop brought together Islamic scholars, Christian leaders, government officials, development partners, and technical experts to strengthen the role of faith leaders in promoting positive behaviours that improve children's well-being.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of UNICEF, Dr Nafisa Binte Shafique, UNICEF Country Representative, described religious leaders as trusted voices capable of influencing positive behavioural change within communities.
She said the workshop coincides with World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7), providing an opportunity to promote exclusive breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways of improving child survival and development.
She emphasised that breastfeeding, immunisation, and birth registration are essential for safeguarding children's health and protection. She further encouraged participants to develop accurate, culturally appropriate and faith-based messages that can be translated into local languages and disseminated through mosques, churches, community outreach programmes and the media.
President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Essa Foday Darboe, reaffirmed the Council's commitment to promote children's health, education and dignity through faith-based advocacy.
He thanked UNICEF, government institutions, development partners and religious leaders for supporting the initiative, describing child protection as both a national development priority and a religious obligation.
Sheikh Darboe said Islamic teachings place great importance on preserving life, dignity, identity, knowledge and future generations, making breastfeeding, immunisation, education and sanitation collective responsibilities. He urged participants to develop practical messages that remain firmly rooted in Islamic values while addressing contemporary public health challenges.
Several other speakers, including the Lead Facilitator, Imam Ousman Jah, Rev. Father James Bowen and Imam Bashir Drammeh stressed that religious institutions must continue to speak with one voice on issues affecting children, noting that sustained collaboration will strengthen national efforts to improve child well-being.
The workshop forms part of the ongoing partnership between UNICEF, The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, the Gambia Christian Council, the Gambia Inter-Religious Committee and relevant government ministries to harness the influence of faith leaders in advancing children's rights.
At the end of the four-day programme, participants are expected to produce practical faith-based key messages that will be disseminated nationwide through various religious platforms and community engagements to encourage positive behavioural change and ensure every child in The Gambia has the opportunity to survive, learn, grow and thrive.
