ECOWAS Approves NYSS Farm as Training Centre for Africa

Following a meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Youth, held in Abuja on October 3rd2007 a youth training programme, to be executed at NYSS' Nyaniberi farm, was submitted to ECOWAS authorities for consideration. Mr Simon Taro, Director of Youth and Sports Development Centre at the ECOWAS Commission, has written to The Gambia National Youth Service Scheme, through the Department of State for Youth and Sports, conveying the council of Ministers' approval.

This training programme supports actions undertaken by ECOWAS member states and aims at offering young entrepreneurs a chance in the areas of agribusiness, forestry, breeding and food

Transformation, to raise their competence level. However, the 2008 programme, which is expected to start in June, will bring together about 36 participants from all ECOWAS members states and will take into account other economic areas such as mechanics and plumbing.

Reacting to the news, Mr Musa Mbye, Executive Director of NYSS expressed satisfaction with the approval of the training programme, noting that it will serve as a catalyst in helping NYSS achieve its cherished dreams of developing the human resource base of The Gambia. While commending ECOWAS for the confidence bestowed in The Gambia and NYSS in particular, he promised that NYSS will not be found wanting in any of its responsibilities.