The
National Youth Council (NYC) in partnership with Activista-The Gambia and other
local partners is set to commemorate International Youth Day on Friday 12
August 2016.
The
commemoration, observed in the form of a symposium, would commerce with a
match-past from Trust Bank Bakau branch to the venue – Independence Stadium
Friendship Hotel in Bakau.
The
day is celebrated on August 12th each year to recognize the efforts of the
world’s youth in enhancing global society.
It also aims to promote ways to engage them in
becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their
communities.
In
addition, the annual event is organized for the purpose of engaging the youth
of the world in conversations with their local, national and international
leaders.
From
workshops to meetings, showcases and performances, communities are called upon
to encourage interaction between current leaders and those who will lead in the
future.
In
this vein, the National Youth Council as the governing body of youth affairs in
the country in partnership with Activista-The Gambia, would celebrate this
important day with a symposium, where more than 250 youths would gather to
discuss with partners the challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.
The
theme for this year’s commemoration is: “The Road to 2030 - Eradicating
Poverty, Inequality and Achieving Youth Power 1.8 billion Strong.”
A
unique theme is adopted annually to assist in focusing awareness on issues
affecting youths around the world.
By
highlighting the role youths could take and the impact they can make on our
global society, the hope is to engage youths and cultivate their increased
contributions to their communities.
Speaking
at a press briefing held at the National Youth Council office last Thursday,
Mariama Sima, programme officer advocacy & communication at the National
Youth Council, said the objectives of commemorating the day is to make the
young people, contributing positively in youth development, feel that their efforts
are recognized; to make the young people prove that they can make a change; to
make sure leaders include the youths in the fight against ending poverty,
unemployment, inequality and climate change in order to achieve their goals;
and to make sure the world is inspired by a Youth Power that is 1.8 billion
Strong.
Ms
Sima pointed out some of the strides/gains made in promoting youth
participation in national development in the country, adding that the Minister
for Youth and Sports would make a televised statement on the eve of the day.
She
added that the symposium would involve relevant stakeholders, partners and even
private sector representatives who matter most in the enhancement of youth
development.
She
stated that they also aim to create awareness on the importance of the day
through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #YouthDay.
Key
messages such as “1.8 billion strong #youthpower”; “Young people for positive
change” and “Include the generation of young people and keep promises”, would
also be shared.
Ansumana
Camara, National Training Support Coordinator at Activista-The Gambia, said a
team would use questionnaires in all the regions to collect voices of young
people with regards to the day, and it would be put in the form of a
documentary called the Youth Charter.
After
collecting the voices of youths, they would be put in a documentary, and played
during the symposium, he added.
Taslima
Jallow, an intern at the National Youth Council, also spoke briefly at the
briefing.
