The work of the CPA is based upon our four main objectives:
TRAINING. The CPA is committed to developing the capacity of member organisations on child rights promotion and protection through training programmes and activities. We hold an Annual Membership Workshop & Review Meeting, and have sponsored a workshop for journalists on the ethics of reporting cases involving children. Future trainings workshops for children as peer educators and focal persons on child protection issues; for core member organisations on child rights programming; and for teachers on alternatives to corporal punishment and quality classroom management.
ADVOCACY. We aim to promote and protect the rights of children by providing information and raising awareness. The CPA produces a quarterly newsletter and position papers on child protection issues. We are currently planning the Speak Up! Speak Out! Campaign, which will feature divisional tours to all regions in The Gambia.
CHILD EMPOWERMENT. At the core of CPA's mission is to promote the participation and involvement of children in child rights promotion and protection, and to involve them in finding solutions to problems that affect their lives and well being. VOICE, a youth group under CPA, is currently involved in radio and television programmes in The Gambia and they have hosted a Poster Contest and Drama Showcase for local youth groups to highlight relevant children's issues. They are also involved with Monthly Youth Bantabas and a Quiz Competition for students on child rights.
RESEARCH. To fully understand child protection issues, the CPA must promote research into specific forms of abuse and exploitation. In February 2003, we launched a report on Child Sex Tourism in collaboration with Terre des Hommes Netherlands. We are planning research into Baby Abandonment and are developing a Research & Documentation Centre for the CPA Office.