The event marked the first batch of the country’s National Youth Service graduates programme and for the first time the Gambia government is implementing the National Youth Service Graduate Programme in collaboration with the University of The Gambia with financial support from the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP). The development targets 100 University of The Gambia graduates.
In his launching statement, President Adama Barrow revealed that the programme, implemented by the National Youth Service Scheme under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the University of the Gambia is a clear testimony of the commitment of his government to support the employability and development of the youths of The Gambia.
“It is our belief that the Gambia has a lot to tap into with the younger generation. This can however not happen if the right opportunities and investments are not done. There are various programs and policies the government has developed which are helping to create the enabling environments to build the characters of our youth to become productive citizens,” he said.
President Barrow added that his government is aware of the realities on the ground, and the need to create more job opportunities for the youth.
“We are also not unmindful to the fact that the youth are the backbone of any nation. This is the more reason the government of the Gambia is working tirelessly in making sure that the youths gain meaningful employment in this country,” he revealed.
Barrow pointed out that “our dear young people, understanding that more than 63 % of our population is under the age of 35, my government has, since its inception continued to device strategies to empower and create opportunities for youth both in terms of education, training and sports.”
