Child Protection

In any crisis, children’s needs must come first.

When conflict erupted along the Gambia–Senegal border in February 2022, more than 1,000 boys and girls were forced from their homes by fighting between Senegalese forces and MFDC rebels. With schools closed and families fleeing for safety, these children faced not only hunger and fear but the very real risk of losing access to education, play, and a sense of normalcy.

To meet this urgent need, ChildFund partnered with Foni Ding Ding Federation to open five child‑friendly spaces across the West Coast Region. These safe havens give displaced children the chance to learn, play, and simply be kids—activities vital for trauma recovery. While children sing, paint, and practice reading and writing, their parents can secure shelter, water, and food. The centers also provide lifesaving services, including protection, health care, and specialized mental health and psychosocial support, ensuring that, even in crisis, children continue to learn, heal, and grow.

Watch how these Child-Friendly Spaces are supporting children displaced by internal conflict in the Fonis.