Isatou S Barry is a well-recognized child activist, who’s committed to promoting peace and unity in the country. She was part of a delegation that represented The Gambia in a model UN conference in the USA.Â
In this interview, Isatou tells us more about herself, her activities, national development and politics:Â
What’s On-Gambia: Can you please tell us a little about yourself and your family background?Â
Isatou: I was born in Bansang. I came from a poor family, but despite it my parents tried to make sure I get an excellent education. I did my nursery school in Kololi Nursery School and later moved to Apple Tree International and then to the Victory Gospel Primary School.Â
After completing my primary school, I was admitted into the SOS Herman Gmeiner Junior School where I graduated with very good results, aggregate 11. From there I went to The Gambia Methodist Academy where I am trying to do very well by always competing to be among the top five students in my class. I have won many academic awards. My weakness area is agricultural science.Â
Coming from a poor home, I always try my best to make my family proud. They taught me to be very proud of the home I come from and that pride has engulfed my heart and my mind as I am extremely proud of my family and background.Â
I can say almost every Gambian has played a part in my life in one way or the other and for that I owe to my country and its people a debt that I can never repay and gratitude that I can never forget for their love and strong support.Â
What more can you tell us about yourself?Â
In March this year, I was part of a delegation representing The Gambia in a model UN conference in Washington D.C. After that I have been on various talk shows on the radios and the national television. When I’m invited on the media, I try to use such platforms to encourage Gambians to come together as one and join in the government’s struggle for national development, despite our political beliefs. I always emphasis on the fact that our country is more important and should be more important than our political beliefs and that we should all support a visionary leadership for a better Gambia and for our future generations.Â
Some call me a politician, others call me a patriot, but one thing I always know about myself is that I am a patriotic citizen who loves my country so dearly and this love for my country is something I always talk about with my family, friends, mates, diplomats, the public, in school, classroom, lectures, the media etc.Â
Are you a young politician?Â
Well, not actually. But yes, we should all be politicians when it comes to state issues as everything around either affects us or promotes us. I am a patriotic citizen whose country is as dear to her as her own life.Â
Why are you a strong supporter of president Jammeh?Â
I am a strong supporter of our president and the government of The Gambia because he is a visionary leader.Â
Can you please elaborate?Â
His government supports young people, women and girls and looking at The Gambia from where he took it from, we can say he has really done more than enough in just 19 years of leadership.Â
But most importantly, he has been a leader who promotes African values and beliefs. He believes in Africanism and I think that's what Africa needs.Â
Are you a registered member of the APRC party?Â
No, no I am not. I told you, I am not into politics.Â
There are calls that president Jammeh should step aside and allow someone else to lead. What is your take on that?Â
Well, I think is better we think of a way forward to contribute to national development. Let's remember it’s not about politics, it’s about our country, our Gambia which is more important than you and I and all of us collectively.Â
You seem to be close to many senior government officials. Who are your favorites and why?Â
Well, that's a wrong question, because I am not. I’m just an ordinary citizen, like any other young person.Â
Ok. What do you think we should do to achieve a united Gambia?Â
Political beliefs should be put aside, the country should come first. I agree that we all have our own political beliefs, but they should not be more important than our country as we collectively are more important than politics but at the same time, our Gambia is more important that all of us put together collectively.Â
What motivated your stark involvement in national development?Â
My motivation is from my love for my country. It all started when I was in junior school, where I got involved in school clubs and sometimes I was chosen to head some clubs. I started speaking out.Â
But honestly, my interest for national development is something that has eaten deep into my heart and everyday this desire grows more and more. I feel the need to do something for my county and its people.Â
This desire grew also as a result of the strong support and love Gambians both home and in the diaspora have given me - each time someone says to me" Isatou, I am proud of you"
that alone motivates me to do more.Â
Why do you have JILANKA as part of your Facebook name?Â
Well, friends started calling me that name in school, they call me Jilanka, VP etc..Â
Why?Â
Yes it was as a result of my deep commitment to national development and state issues. So I decided to add that up to my name also because I love it.Secondly, it also came as a result of my support for the leadership.Â
So you are an APRC supporter?Â
Yes, I support a visionary leadership for a better Gambia.Â
What do you do for fun?Â
Well, what I enjoy for fun is debates and talking to people about patriotism.Â
Is that what you do whenever you’re free?Â
That's not what I do always but whenever I am free that's what I want to do but remember such does not happen all the time. That's what I do most of the times.Â
Who are your favorite Gambian musicians and why?Â
Jalex is my favorite Gambian musician, because I love his rhythms.Â
.. and you are also a huge fan of Wally Secka?Â
Not actually, because I don't even know some of his songs. I believe in "supporting our own Gambian musicians."Â
Any final words?Â
I would love to thank you for the interview and I would once more like to thank everyone for their love, support and encouragement. I owe to the Gambian people a debt that I can never repay and gratitude that I can never forget for their love and support to me in various ways!Â
Thanks to everyone, thanks to the Gambian people, thanks to my teachers, my school, my family and thanks to my parents who taught me the right way, thanks to my mum who means the world to me. All praise be to my lord, Allah
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