Their Voice Must Be Heard challenges youths to involve in community development

Their Voice Must Be Heard, a youth organisation based in Kartong, in the Kombo South District of the West Coast Region, have challenged youths to be actively involved in community development.

The organisation was formed to empower youths in several sectors in order to actively take part in community development.

The coordinator of Their Voice Must Be Heard, Mustapha Manneh, said there would be less development in the communities if youths are not actively engaged in the development programmes.

Manneh pointed out that community leaders need to create space for community-based organisations to be involved in the decision-making process, and share their views towards the development of the community.

Mr Manneh further pointed out that youths’ participation in community development is significant, and would also help shape their future.

He emphasised that youths are pivotal in the development of the community, and their participation could not be over-emphasised.

 Community leaders need to create a platform for the youths in order to actively participate in community development in their respective communities, he added.

Community elders also need to make place for the youth in the community organisations, and they should always be involved in any decision-making process to allow them to participate fully towards the development of their community.

Manneh further stated that when youths are fully involved in community work, there is a huge possibility of community improvement.

The youths should be fully involved in shaping their future and, therefore, their participation would help because they understand and know what affects them in their life, Manneh continued.

The organisation sensitises youths on the dangers of using the back-way to Europe, and drug abuse.

The organisation also trains young people in several skill areas, which would enable them to earn their living and also prevent them from any criminal acts, in order to build a better Gambia.