Child Fund The Gambia recently presented a cheque for D100,000 as their contribution to the 9th edition of the biennial National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF).
A cheque for D50,000.00 was donated to the national organising committee and another D50, 000 to the West Coast Region for their participation.
The cheques were presented to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Sheriff Gomez, at his office in
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alieu K. Jammeh, applauded the Child Fund for complementing and assisting the Ministry’s efforts in achieving a successful NAYCONF.
He said that the event brings together youth from all over the country to discuss pertinent issues concerning them.
“NAYCONF is not an easy task, that is why government organises it biannually,” he stated, and thanked Child Fund for answering to the call of young people.
Sheriff Gomez, the Minister, said that NAYCONF is a platform to empower young people.
He says that it is meant for them to reflect on their challenges and to galvanise their efforts. “NAYCONF is a national requirement,”said Minister Gomez.
He also praised Child Fund for their re-branding efforts in facilitating the efforts of children to become responsible citizens.
“This year’s NAYCONF is centred on the fight against drugs,” Minister Gomez asserted, adding that the themes are centred particularly on youth.
For Western Coast Region, he said, the gesture will go a long way in helping their full participation in this year’s event.
He finally commended Child Fund for the recognition rendered towards NAYCONF, urging others to emulate them.
“Youths are engaged directly in all walks of life; therefore the need to invest in them is something in the right direction,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Eustace Cassell, National Director Child Fund, said that this was not their first time to donate to the event.
He indicated that over the years they have included young people in their activities, noting that the need to support youth is worthy.
Mr. Cassell emphasised that their gesture was meant for the event to be successful. He thanked the government for giving them the enabling environment to operate in.
Mustapha Kebbeh, Youth Coordinator Child Fund, says it is part of their obligation to support NAYCONF.
Mr. Kebbeh said that their activities involve skills training for youth.
He announced that Child Fund has constructed youth conference centres at Kalagi and Bwiam, as well as supporting sports at the grassroots level to alleviate poverty.
Marchel Mendy the Executive Secretary at the National Youth Council, also spoke at the presentation ceremony.
