The most influential personalities in Senegal get involved in the prevention of child marriage
Children are at the heart of World Vision’s work. World Vision has backed them in taking their quest for more support for the prevention of child marriage to the highest authorities in the land and most influential voices on the music scene. His Excellency the President Macky Sall and singing superstar Youssou Ndour responded to the call and took time to listen to the children’s demands.
The President of the Republic received the delegation of children led by National Director Dr. Andrew Catford
The President of the Republic received the delegation of children from World Vision programmes, led by National Director Dr. Andrew Catford. The visit was part of the advocacy campaign ‘Together for a Senegal free from child marriage’, launched to the Senegalese public on Thursday 19 June 2017. The Senegalese Head of State paid tribute to World Vision’s inclusive work, especially in rural areas. He made a commitment to support the NGO in this challenge.
“It must stop, it’s shameful, really shameful!"
One of the greatest and most influential voices in Senegal welcomed the children, staff and the Chair of the Advisory Council of World Vision Senegal so that they could present our call to action to put an end to child marriage in Senegal.
A TV audience of 4.5m saw Youssou Ndour meet the children and share his commitment to support World Vision in this and advocate for the most vulnerable children in the country.
He struck a sincere note when he declared: “I was so angry when I learned from this position paper that the percentage of child marriage is continuing to grow. It must stop, it’s shameful, really shameful. I was even more moved when I saw that it’s the children themselves who are asking to be protected. That should not be too much to ask.”
Youssou Ndour receiving the position paper from Moussa, a representative of the children
He added: “I’m giving an undertaking to join World Vision in the fight for child protection and to put an end to child marriage. I intend to make myself more vigilant in order to help children thrive better in life, resisting all the abuse and vices that they face, especially child marriage.”
The campaign aims to draw attention to the practice of child marriage which affects 33% of girls in Senegal.
Youssou Ndour with the Chair of World Vision’s Advisory Council, Mrs Therese Turpin Diatta, and World Vision Country Director, Dr. Andrew Catford.