Youth Forum: National youth convergence winds up

The National Youth Convergence organised by the National Youth Council and Activista The Gambia recently ended at the Gambia Pastoral Institute on Kairaba Avenue.

The convergence, held on the theme “National Agenda”, brought together youths from various youth organisations, as well as politicians, for the three-day forum.

The National Youth Convergence was held to create an inspiring platform for young people to reflect on national issues and meaningfully engage government on matters of youth nationwide.

Speaking at the convergence, Lamin Darboe, executive director of National Youth Council, hailed the Actionaid The Gambia for bankrolling the convergence.

In dealing with young people, he noted, “one needs to be flexible, not rigid”.

Mr Darboe also applauded the National Youth Council, staff of Activista The Gambia and the coordinating committee for their tireless work and support towards realising the convergence.

In his remarks on the occasion, Baforom Jeng said the convergence was a platform for the youth to participate in national development, noting that young people are the future builders of a nation.

Bakary Fadera, a representative of Actionaid The Gambia, in his keynote address, said “the national youth convergence is relevant, as it creates a platform for youth” such as those in agro-business sector among others, to discuss pertinent issues bordering on their sectors, during the convergence.

Mr Federa stated that Actionaid The Gambia, in conjunction with Activista The Gambia, supported youths in agro business in 2016.

Fadera said further that Actionaid The Gambia is also planning to rendering more support to the youth to advance their lives.

For his part, Alieu K. Jammeh, Minister of Youth and Sports, said youth are paramount in national development.

He therefore challenged the youth to redouble their efforts to realize their ambitions in life.

It would be recalled that Activista The Gambia, a youth organisation in the country, in conjunction with the National Youth Council (NYC), briefed the media about the convergence meant to create a platform for the youth in the country to participate in the event.