Youth Consortium for Progress hold inter-schools competition

Three schools namely, Ndows Comprehensive Junior Secondary School, Bakau Upper Basic School and St Threshes Upper Basic Schools were called to an inter-schools drama competition between the upper basic schools, organised by the Youth Consortium for Progress - Gambia (YCP) held at the TANGO conference hall over the weekend.

According to the organizers, the forum was meant to bring young people together to express their talents and potentials relating to some of the issues affecting them as young people.

Sheriffo Jarju, the chairperson of the YCP-Gambia, said YCP-Gambia "was born out of a dream for the development of our communities and the nation, by empowering, sensitising and developing the skills of young people of this country".

The organization believes in the progress and sustainable development of any developing nation, and that the youths must be put on board, and utilise their potentials and talents and resources. He described YCP-Gambia as a new organization, established on the 8th December 2010 with three co-founders, five directors and five YCP Gambian officials.

Jarju said the theme for the event is "Dare to be the Cheetah Generation", adding that the Cheetah Generation is a generation that is self reliant, competent and innovative in all spheres of life.

He further stated that the Cheetah Generation is proactive, and works to remedy the hurt suffered by individuals from existing conditions.

"Youth Consortium for Progress encourages young people to the changes to be like a cheetah, and take their studies seriously, work hard and start to think about the future of their communities and how they can work hard to realise that future.

Fatou A Drammeh revealed that YCP is part of a global youth network where youths from around the world share the same vision, support and work together to achieve desired goals and objectives.

She announced that the members of the network include Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, Canada and the Gambia with the same aims and objectives.

It is a challenge for young people as the cream of the society to boldly confront any obstacles on the journey to success, she continued.

"YCP provides opportunities available for young to harness them, and equally guides them through for effectively exploring those opportunities", she added, noting that the organisation encourages and supports youths to effectively and efficiently utilise their talents to maximise their potentials.

At the end of the competition, St Therese Upper Basic School emerged in first position, followed by Ndows Comprehensive Junior Secondary School and Bakau Upper Basic School which got third position.

The best actor and actress were James Blaze and Miss Marie Jeng both from Ndows Comprehensive Junior Secondary School.