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.
