Junior Chamber International (JCI), an international youth organisation affiliated to the JCI International recently held a daylong training forum on youth empowerment and national development for its members at the Paradise Suites Hotel.
In his welcoming remarks, Musa P. Manneh, the national President of JCI-The Gambia said “JCI was formed, mainly on the principles of JCI International, inspired by its creed and based on a belief in faith in God, the brotherhood of man, individual freedom and dignity, government of laws, the value of human personality and service to humanity.’’
JCI mission, Manneh said, is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive changes in life.
He added that The Gambia JCI was formed mainly with the desire and aim to develop awareness and acceptance of the responsibilities, individual participation in internal programmes to develop leadership potential.
JCI International Vice-President, Mrs. Asmaa Benslimane said their aim is to give young people the opportunity to make positive changes in life.
She said the government of each country cannot do everything alone and then stressed that young people should take responsibilities in their countries and analyse their countries’ needs to come up with creative and sustainable solutions to those in need.
Mrs. Mberi Jobe, the Programme Assistant at the National Youth Council underscored the importance of the forum, noting that the NYC was established by an Act of Parliament, which has various mandates. Among them, he said, is to organise and coordinate youth programmes, policies and provide guidelines for the orientation of youth organisations, with a view to harmonise various youth operations in The Gambia.
She revealed that the Council also serves as an advisory body to the government on matters relating to youth development.
Other speakers included the former JCI –Gambia President, Lamin Sanneh, and KMC representative Edrisa Njie.
