Hearts of the Future International (HFI) recently organised a three-day leadership training for their executive members in The Gambia, which has its partners in The Gambia and abroad.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Brikama Area Council Hall, the Country Director HFI Ousman Darbo, said Hearts to the Future International (HFI) is an international organization founded by young people from different countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.
He said due to their unique international establishment, and the commitment taken by the institution, the organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for nations to express their views, through their General Assembly sessions, conferences, workshops, seminars and other programs.
Mr Darbo said: “We are best known for peacekeeping, peace building, conflict prevention, human and child right protection, women and girls empowerment, youth development, education, health and humanitarian assistance.”
There are many other ways HFI and its Network of Partners (specialized agencies, funds and programs) affect lives and make the world a better place, he said, adding that the organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality and equity and the advancement of women, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.
For his part, the chairman of Brikama Area Council, Sunkaru Badjie, commanded the executive members saying leadership is very important.
It is their responsibility to equip young people as elders and show them the right way to see their way forward.
Mr Badjie said the government is doing their best to ensure the youth are empowered. He thanked HFI executive members and advised them to keep up the good work.
National Assembly Member Momodou Lamin Sanneh expressed happiness with members of the organization, noting that “through this leadership program you have shown your commitment and dedication as young people to actively participate in nation building by capacitating and equipping yourselves with sufficient knowledge and skills required for becoming successful leaders.”
According to Mr Sanneh, the challenges of leadership are immense and require high level of courage, teamwork and commitment.
Mr. Sanneh urged the members to ensure the organization is expanded and have more members all over the country “so that the children of this country can match with children in other countries”.
The Information and Communications officer of HFI in the country, Momodou Lamin Jammeh, said the organization was established in the
This, he added, is an international organization that is based in
It is very good to be well equipped with leadership skills, he says, adding that they conduct training on conflict management, leadership, and advocacy. “That is a benefit for them to undergo this kind of training,” he said.
He advised his colleagues to work as one family, saying not coming together won’t help them to achieve their ultimate goals.
He also advised them to do everything possible to ensure that peace and stability prevails in the society as they are trained to train others.
At the end of the programme certificates were given to the executive members.