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Momodou
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 Posted - 05 Nov 2009 : 20:08:01
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Third Youth Empowerment Forum Staged
By Alieu
The Third Youth Empowerment Forum organized by Saamasang Youth and Children Development Association was recently staged at the Women’s Federation Nursery School in Brikama.
The forum, which brought over eighty young people was aimed at bringing together young people and discuss issues affecting them in their various communities and map out possible solutions to their problems.
In his welcoming remarks, the Federation Manager Saamasang Mr. Edrisa Cham underscored the importance of the forum saying that Saamasang in Mandinka Language means, “buying your future”. He informed the gathering that the aim of the forum is to ensure that youths take the lead in their own development initiatives and discuss issues affecting them.
The participation of youths in their development is very pivotal as it will pave a way forward for them in the future. Cham further stated that the Child Fund and Saamasang would continue to work in collaboration and partnership with the youths in order to meet their targets. He challenged the participants to be committed and focus during the forum and be ready to take up the challenges after the forum’’.
The Saamasang boss also reminded the participants that their roles are to participate and contribute to the well-being and welfare of both the youth and children in the region and the country in particular.
Mustapha Kebbeh, the Youth Agency Coordinator Child Fund The Gambia who deputizes for the National Director urged the participants to work hard and make the best use of the forum as they form part of an estimated 6 billion people of the world, majority of whom are young people including Gambians. Kebbeh further explained their drive to complement government’s efforts in empowering youths in their drive to lead their own development issues. He discloses that it is pretty unique as Saamasang have done a lot in empowering the communities and youths in particular saying that allowing the youths to take the lead in their own development are really a right step in the right direction.
Empowering the young according to him means empowering the whole country, as they are the cream and the future leaders of the nation. “I challenge you all to be committed and participate fully for the attainments of the aims and objectives of the forum in order to come up with a strong and recommended action plans at the end of the five day forum”, he said.
Marchel Mendy, the Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council emphasized the need for such a forum adding that it is a great pleasure for him to associate himself with this important event organized by the Saamasang Youth and Children Development Association in respect of an anniversary harping on the theme YOUNG PEOPLE LEADING THEIR OWN DEVELOPMENT. He lamented that the NYC promotes networking with other national youth bodies and youth organizations abroad, plan and implement national youth programmes, maintain a data bank on youth organizations and activities in the country, register national youth organizations, determine the fees for the registration of youth organizations and supervise the operations of the Regional Youth Committees.
The National Youth Council in short, coordinates the various youth programmes run by youth organizations in the country. The Council plays a critical advocacy role in the implementation of all youth related programmes particularly those run by state departments. The Council also serves as the main advisory body to government on all matters relating to youth development in the country while at the same time, serves as a channel of communication for all issues, including Government Policy and Programmes to all affiliated youth organizations. As a non-partisan body, the Council shall take the full responsibility as the mouthpiece of al youth organizations in the country.
Ms. Aminata Jatta an executive member from Jamisa Community Association gave a brief history of the activities the board has embarked on since their election into the office in 2003. She indicates that some of their activities include creating awareness on sponsor relations, community sensitization on child right and health issues within Kombo Central District.
Madam Sai Faal the deputy Governor of Western Region, who deputizes on half of the Regional Governor Lamin Sanneh, underscored the need for youths in the region to come together and discuss on issues affecting their lives. She lamented that the government of The Gambia is always pleased to associate herself with the development of youths saying that the Bantaba would pave a way forward for the participants. Deputy Governor Faal assured the youths that their doors are open for them in the region who she said are one of the best in the country. She however, challenged other youth organizations in the length and breath of the country to emulate Saamasang Youth and Children Development Association and come up with lasting solutions to their problems.
She also calls for attitudinal change among the youths in the country noting that unity and togetherness only way for them to reach their destinations.
In attendance were Cherno Jawla Youth Councilor Western Region, MawdoAmadou Jallow Youth Officer Western Region, Mrs. Awa Jobarteh Vice President Operation No Back Way to Europe, Baba Bojang SR Director Child Fund Area Office Brikama, Alassana Jarju Youth and Child Officer Eastern Foni, Yankuba Manneh SR Officer Kaira Nyining Federation, Staff of Saamasang Federation and other important dignitaries across the District.
Source: The Daily News
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