The United Guardian for Youths and Development (UGYD) on 16th September 2011 held a press briefing at the President’s Award Scheme in Bakau. The meeting was meant to brief the press about the activities of the association and achievements, among others.
Babucarr Jallow, the secretary general of the association, started by informing the press about the history of the youth group.
He revealed that the association was founded on September 28th 2008, and is being managed by young people.
He said that the objections of the group include to provide basic training opportunities for youths to help them in the future.
Ebrima Nyassi, the chairperson of the association, said that the association was registered at the National Youth Council and Attorney General’s Chambers to boost their morale.
Nyassi went on say that they pursued their objectives through introducing the association in school, and at capacity building workshops.
He added that their main achievement was their campaign on drugs and substance abuse, which was held at the KMC grounds in November 2009, and attended by over 50 participants.
He also said theirmain plan is to develop a skills center, and that they also have a three-year strategic plan to implement.
“Our main constraint is finance which is undermining our program implementation".
He used the opportunity to appeal to stakeholders and government institutions to come to their aid.
The project co-coordinator and voice of UGYD, Mariatou Sarr, also spoke at the press conference.
The executive director of the National Youth Council (NYC), Marchel Mendy, delivered a statement on “how do we guide youths to achieve a positive growth and development”.
He said the best way to guide youths is to provide them with skills, noting that the government is doing everything possible for the young people. He cited the NYC, which he said is a gift to the young people
He also cited NYSS as another good initiative empowering young people in the country.
He added that all parties involved should come together and invest in young people in terms of education and moral support.
He said that the NYC would like to embark on a nationwide tour to sensitize school authorities on the need for them to have counseling units in their various schools.
The NYC boss called on young people to stop picking and choosing jobs, which he believes is a problem affecting the many unemployed youths.
