Youth leadership training organised by the National Youth Council (NYC), in collaboration with the Dream Institute International (US) came to an end last Friday with awarding of certificates to the participants, at a ceremony held at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The training was meant to equip youth leaders with technology and leadership skills in areas, such as capacity-building, civic education, mental health, caring, among others.
Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, Honourable Sheriff ML Gomez, the Minister of Youths and Sport, expressed appreciation to their partners for coming up with a social seminar that enables young people to interact and contribute to national development.
He emphasised that capacity building of youths is part of his ministry's agenda, adding that one of these is the pioneer relationship they wanted to build. He underscored the importance of the training for young people, which he noted, look at social issues and how to approach them.
He further advised the youths not to stop at acquiring education, but to serve as agent of change by internalising what they learnt.
He finally challenged the young people to utilise their times in such forums. As he put it, "we are fast approaching the summer so as to perform well when back to their classes."
Speaking at the occasion, the Co-coordinator of the Institute International Programme (US), Celi Marie Dean expressed delight at the programme.
She further extended gratitude to the ministry for giving them the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice.
She advised the participants to develop the skills gained from the course and share it with others.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Alieu K Jammeh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports expressed appreciation to the Dream Institute International for associating with them.
"National development is of very significance to the development of human resources," he told the gathering.
He urged the participants to make good use of the knowledge gained from the programme and share it with those who were unfortunate to be part of the programme.
He also thanked the Ministry of Youths and Sports for their co-operation.
Mberry Jobe Sonko from the National Youth Council delivered the vote of thanks, on behalf of the participants.