However, they continue to face challenges in many fronts with no end in sight.
From irregular migration, illicit drug abuse, crime and unemployment, the list goes on.
This makes their case an all more important sector that needs urgent redress.
In the past, the government with support from partners is doing all it can to empower the country's teeming youthful population.
This is manifested in not only creating an enabling environment, but through sound innovative youth-friendly initiatives designed to enable them to exploit their raw talents.
As part of a broader initiative to complement government's efforts in youth development, the European Union, in partnership with Democracy International and the Ministry of Justice of The Gambia, launched the Nextgen Peacemakers (NEXT-Peacemakers) initiative in Banjul.
The 30-month programme aims to strengthen peacebuilding and conflict management by empowering young people as key drivers of democratic reform.
The project also aligns with The Gambia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security and supports the post-Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission reform agenda.
We want to commend the EU and Democracy International and all their partners for this laudable initiatives.
There is no doubt that the project in the next 30 month would greatly help beneficiary organisation in their respective areas and overall contributing to national development.
According to funders, the project will also focus on youth training, fellowships, research, and institutional coordination.
This is indeed remarkable. In this day and age, capacity building and research development are key and integral in bringing about tangible results.
It is a well known fact that youth's play a vital role in shaping a peaceful democracy. As agents of change, they stand at a crucial role to help champion peaceful messages that could help enhance any country’s democracy.
Thus, this EU project couldn't have come at a better time than now when the country has emerged from a brutal dictatorship that crippled many organs of government. It would help strengthen democratic gains while fostering reconciliation.