We all know that societies that give youth an equal chance to prosper and participate freely in social, political, and economic life are more peaceful and more prosperous. This in turn has a positive impact on the citizens.
With a teaming youthful population, Gambia just like most countries in the sub-region is faced with a difficult task in delivering to its growing youth population.
The National Youth Council (NYC) recently oriented delegates ahead of the forthcoming National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) slated for 16 December 2024 in the Kanifing Municipality.
NAYCONF, as fondly called, is a biennial event that seeks to bring youth across all regions and beyond to share experiences and dilate on issues affecting their lives. It also creates a perfect opportunity for delegates to foster relationships anchored on harnessing their expertise and turning opportunities into lasting friendship.
The event is coming at a time when the country is experiencing mass migration to the West. This is fueled by what many called last of better prospects and jobs, forcing many to take this perilous journey also known as the ‘back-way’ through hot deserts and then across the Mediterranean Sea.
Thus, this youth forum is a perfect platform to engage youth in constructive dialogue and nurture their mind to come to the reality that ‘all that glitters is not gold.’
Many are tempted to embark on the perilous journey without knowing what awaits them in detention camps.
From people who tried without success, the journey entails a difficult undertaking, and in some instances risking one’s life to make it. Others who dare and were able to reach European shores are grappling with discrimination, hopeless and difficult challenges to integrate into their respective European countries.
In addition, from unemployment, surge in crime to illicit drug abuse, the country's youth are grappling with many challenges that need urgent attention.
The sad reality is our streets are turning into ghettos as youth live in the hardest ways. Authorities need to do more to positively engage our youth to contribute meaningfully to national development.
We therefore call on NAYCONF organisers to choose a key theme for the event, where they will talk about issues addressing youth unemployment, illegal migration, drug abuse and crime rate in the country.
With such topical issues and having the right caliber of people to talk to delegates about such issues will help change the mindset of people.
As a government, we owe a lot to the youth of this country. It is sad that the country is losing most of its youthful population to the hot desert and Mediterranean Sea for the mere fact that the government is not able to deliver the needs and aspirations of the youth.