Their
Voice Must Be Heard, a youth organisation based in Kartong, in the Kombo South
District of the West Coast Region, have challenged youths to be actively
involved in community development.
The
organisation was formed to empower youths in several sectors in order to
actively take part in community development.
The
coordinator of Their Voice Must Be Heard, Mustapha Manneh, said there would be
less development in the communities if youths are not actively engaged in the
development programmes.
Manneh
pointed out that community leaders need to create space for community-based
organisations to be involved in the decision-making process, and share their
views towards the development of the community.
Mr
Manneh further pointed out that youths’ participation in community development
is significant, and would also help shape their future.
He
emphasised that youths are pivotal in the development of the community, and
their participation could not be over-emphasised.
Community leaders need to create a platform
for the youths in order to actively participate in community development in
their respective communities, he added.
Community
elders also need to make place for the youth in the community organisations,
and they should always be involved in any decision-making process to allow them
to participate fully towards the development of their community.
Manneh
further stated that when youths are fully involved in community work, there is
a huge possibility of community improvement.
The
youths should be fully involved in shaping their future and, therefore, their
participation would help because they understand and know what affects them in
their life, Manneh continued.
The
organisation sensitises youths on the dangers of using the back-way to Europe,
and drug abuse.
The
organisation also trains young people in several skill areas, which would enable
them to earn their living and also prevent them from any criminal acts, in
order to build a better Gambia.
