Road to Children's camp 2019.

Departure at the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp 2019, was a moment of tears. After seven days of interaction with series of activities, the departure was empathic with tears rolling down cheeks of participants like rain on a summer morn. "I will miss, when will I see you?" becomes the common saying.

Children's Camp is always a bitter sweet anual event but we thank the Almighty God for helping us take about two hundred participants through different activities with committed, love, care and ease; equally we will thank Peace Ambassadors - The Gambia, for their tremendous efforts in making this Camp a success. To the coordinadors, we thank you all for the sacrifices, and passion you have towords the welfare of Children in The Gambia. Goodbye Children, we hope to see you again.

The last night at Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation Children's Camp 2019 was a BALL NIGHT, a night so beautiful like the rainbow of mid August that glitters with different colors. A night where beauty compete with emotion, as it marks the night where tears of joy drops, for after this Night, it also marks the beginning of the journey: "I will miss you". This night, participants are overwhelmed as they appear in their best dresses to observe the colorful night we called the famous "Ball Night". During this night all participants are identified with their partners (secrete friends) to dress smartly, eat and drink together and not only that but also taking pictures for rememberance and future reference.

However, the same night attracted presentation of certificates to participants who attended the camp. This certificates are significant for it will help to motivate the Children and shape their future.

31st December, 2019 marks the night of the long awaited event called the CULTURAL NIGHT for Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) "Children's Camp 2019." In respect for culture and diversity, participants apear in their cultural attires to portray different.

Culture reminds us about our values and norms which serve as a bond to create guidance for a better societal behaviour. It also moderates our morals in society to create that peaceful coexistence among diverse groups of peaole; culture helps us to philosophise philosophical cultural heritage which helps to direct us to our roots for a better sailing to the destination we are yearning for.

The activities of today three at the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp is "Bantaba" ( face the Children.) The themes of this "Bantaba" are UNCRC Child Rights and Child Sexsual Abuse.

First to speak was Basiru Sanneh; a social worker, networking and communication officer at "Peace Of Mind", he presents on Child Sexual Abuse. In his speech, Mr. Sanneh lameneted on how Child Sexual Abuse affects young Children of all ages especial girls. He also highlighted on grooming, a process abusers use to get closer to the vitims or family of the victims. "No one ever said talking about Child Sexual Abuse is easy but it worths it." Mr. Sanneh's presentation attracted numerous questons from the participants on Child Sexual Abuse which he responded accondingly.

Next to speak was Miss Kaddy Jarra, a representative from "Voice Of The Young". She also higlighted on Child's Right and its importance in our society. Miss Jarra first asked the difference between Child and Right. She further explained what the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) entails. Chief among the rights she dilated on includes: Non-discrimination (Article 2), Best Interest ( Article 3), Right to Survival and development (Article 6), and Right to express one's view (Article 12).

Meanwhile, the Bantaba ( Face the Children) was interactive thus participants asked relevant questions related to the topics discussed.

Day three of the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp 2019,starts with an intensive learning sessions on peace, peace education and other thematic areas.

Day two of the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp ended with a handball game among participants. Both boys and girls together played happily to manifest peace and dricrimination free.

It is a believe that dialogue is a sustainable way to problem solving; this is lamented by Fabacarry kalleh a veteran peace advocate, in the afternoon of Second day at the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp. Participants are engaged in a peace dialogue (Face The Children "Bantaba") where they are being taken through one of the must significant aspects of our daily lives; Nonviolencce and Respect For Diversity.

Knowledge is power and a tool that changes the narratives of our society. With this believe, the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) uses the Children's Camp as a platform for knowledge and skill acquisition. About 200 participants are been taken through relevant topics and chief among which includes: Concept of Peace and Peace Education, Conflict Management and Resolution, Dealing With Emotions, Motivation, Understanding Voilence just to name a few.

Sunday of the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp 2019; wakes up with glittering smiles and Sporting activities. Fitness connects to a sound mind and that is the foundation stone for "A society where peace, stability and sustainable development prevail"

Shortly After the official opening ceremony of the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp 2019, the evening was yet another colorful moment. Participants engage in a road carnival with their peace banner which illustrates "Catch Them Young: Creating Peaceable Schools & Communities." The carnival however, is meant to let the residents of Banjulinding know the exsistance of the Camp.

As participants sing overwhelmingly along the streets of Banjulinding, came a stop at the "Alkalo's" ( Head of the community) compound. The Alkalo welcomed the participants and wishes them a successful Camp. He also highlighted the important role that young people can play in nation - building.

Today December 28th, 2019 marks the official opening ceremony of the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) Children's Camp at Banjulinding Upper and Senior Secondary School. The interactive Camp recognizes about 200 participants including School going children, tertiary institution Students and versatile Youth advocates from all regions within The Gambia. The ceremony is incorporated with a graduation ceremony of the participants of the last year's Children's Camp which was held at St Peter's Technical Junior and Senior Secondary School in 2018.

The Children's Camp 2019 is a platform meant for young people specially students to learn and interact among themselves; to embrace the concept of peace and help in creating a peaceful Gambia. The Ambasadors Peer Peace Motivation (APPM) have intensified efforts to bring about 200 young people across all the regions within the Gambia under one unbrella from the 27th of December to the 2nd of Junuary 2019 at Banjulinding Senior Secondary School; with the theme "Catch Them Young: Creating Peaceable Schools and Communities."

The one week camp, will be conveyed with series of activities such as: comprehensive lectures on thematic areas including Peace, conflict resolution, anger management, Gender Base voilence, Motivation and Communication to mention a few. Meanwhile, participants will also be exposed to cultural exhibition, Sporting activities debate cometipetion and other interesting games. We are APPM and our vision is to have "A society where peace, stability and sustainable development prevail."