It is also a period when there are countless activities ongoing especially in village and towns. While it is a farming period for some, it is always important one carefully looks how most students spend summer vacation.
From our point of view, summer should be a period of stocktaking for students; a period that should be utilised well.
Education extends beyond sitting at the four corners of a classroom. It involves so many other activities that would enrich one’s life especially the way one views the world. As a continuous learning process, it is important that students are engaged in frank discussion especially on issues that affect their lives outside classroom settings.
Authorities in Kombo South in the West Coast are currently on their second Regional Youth Summer Camp, which attracted over 300 participants within Kombo South.
This ten-day convergence will feature discussion in thematic areas including leadership and gender, videography, photography, and digital skills, migration, entrepreneurship, sports administration, and peace and conflict resolution. Thus, we commend the local organising committee in Kombo South for their foresight and commitment in organising such an important gathering.
Issues to be discussed at the camp would greatly not only enhance the skills but would also expose them to real life situation, thus exposing some to new insights in what would be the next chapter in their lives.
Young people have a crucial role to play in national development. So, it is also important to make them understand how they can contribute to these developments.
We cannot afford to sideline them by idly sitting and watching them engage in acts that would affect their future. Creating avenues through which they can contribute to this development initiatives, would greatly empower them to achieve their goals.
The Gambia at the moment, just like most neighbouring countries, is grappling with myriad challenges in empowering its youth. From youth unemployment, illicit drug abuse and trafficking, crime and migration, the country stands at a cross road in ensuring that youth in the country are agents of change and development, not a burden.
In this light, we call on government to support this kind of initiative, as it is one surest way to encourage and engage youth meaningfully.
Also, in every creation, humans included, youthful age is crucial and one that should be utilised wisely. This is the period when one is abled-bodied, full of energy and strength to engage or undertake in any meaningful venture and thrive.
The Gambia being a youthful population is fully relying on these youth to champion and guide the country to the promised land.
It is a popular adage that youth are the future leaders. Sometimes, we tend to differ as some youth are already leaders in their various domains. Each one, teach one!
Greek tragedian Euripides says “Youth is the best time to be rich and the best time to be poor.”