The
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Henry Gomez, will be embarking on a nationwide
familiarization tour of departments, offices and projects under his ministry
across the country.
The
tour from 2 to 12 August 2017 is meant to give the minister and entourage
firsthand information on facilities and projects under his purview at all
levels and to listen to the concerns of the stakeholders directly.
These
will among other things enable the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) to
prepare a responsive roadmap on how to address the needs and aspirations of the
youth and the people in general.
At
MoYS, the interest and development of Gambians youth and sports is our guiding
principle.
We
recognised the role of young people in the rapid development of this country.
Youth economic empowerment is top most on the minister’s agenda. We have to
make sure that young people are guided and supported to stem the current
migration trend. It is critical to step up job creation and create more
meaningful income opportunities at home.
Increasing
the income opportunities available for youth, especially potential and
returning migrants, is key for the future growth of the Gambian economy and
inclusive of the society.
However,
without the relevant investments in youth to realize their full potentials,
young people can easily be exposed to vices such as forced migration,
radicalization and violent extremism.
We
have witnessed the massive migration of young people from the country to Europe
using perilous routes. Many young lives have already been lost in the process
of trying to reach Europe.
The
Gambia can however reap the benefits of a bulging young population by investing
in youth empowerment programs.
To
harness the demographic dividend of a youthful population would require
effective investments in health, empowerment, education and employment of youth
through public and private sector involvement.
This
tour will avail the minister the opportunity to discuss with stakeholders in the
development sector of the youth and sports.
Signed
by
…………………
Mr.
Sulayman Ceesay
Senior
Media Assistant
For:
Director
