The National Patriotic Students Association (NAPSA) recently held a symposium on the theme ‘Student’s participation in the maintenance of peace and tranquility’.
The event held at Nusrat Senior Secondary School in Bundung was graced by Interior Minister Ousman Sonko.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Sonko said maintenance of peace and stability is in the interest of all and sundry.
He attributed the coming of more investors like banks and even tourists into the country to the peace that exists in the Gambia.
As students, he said, they should ask themselves what they can do for the country when they wake up every morning.
Sonko urged the students not to allow anyone to use them to instigate violence.
He warned the students that the only thing they have is their books and pens so they should stay away from violence.
He also said: “As students you have right to views and the most peaceful way to bring out your views is to organize a symposium such as this but be mindful of people who will want to use you for their selfish interests`.
In his speech on the occasion, Jarga E. Gaye, chairperson of NAPSA, says violence can lead to a lot of destruction in any nation.
Mr Gaye said they deemed it necessary to step up and further reorient their membership about their collective duty in the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the country.
He says that an environment conducive, free from threat and chaos is the only weapon to the realization of their academic aspirations.
Saliew Sowe, in his remarks, said: “As students your aim is to achieve relevant and quality education and at any cost we will not let anyone jeopardize their future.”
We have political leaders with selfish objective whose aim is to use the students to fulfill their objective and he urged the students to not let anybody use them in their dirty tricks.
He concluded by urging the students to transfer the insightful message to their peers, saying that with hard work and dedication success is always a reality.
Other speakers on the occasion were Mr Adaye, a senior teacher, Fanta Jabbie, a student and Ousman Senghore, a student leader, who all echoed similar sentiments.
