Hosted at Gunjur Senior Secondary School, this year’s event brings together young people from across the region to engage in meaningful conversations, and capacity- building activities aimed at fostering personal growth and community development.
The ten - day event features discussion on thematic areas including leadership and gender, videography, photography, and Digital skills, Migration, Entrepreneurship, Sports Administration, and Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Falalo Touray, Chief of Kombo South District, underscored the role of young people in national development.
Chief Touray said the initiative will enable participants to share experiences and best practices to the young minds of this country.
“We’ve been saying that youths are the leaders of tomorrow. We want to realize that the youths must not only be responsible but they must have the capacity to take this country higher when they grow up. And that has to be prepared now by getting the youths educated and for them to require the necessary skills to take this country in the future.” Mr. Touray stated.
The Kombo South chief urged participants to learn new things from the course of the training, saying their active participation at the event will help not only better youth representatives in the future, but also leaders who would take the mantle of leadership in this country.
The youth, he noted, should enjoy the opportunities provided so that the common aspirations can become a reality without challenges.
“I’m happy you have chosen critical topics associated with developments, associated with socio- economic development. This is what this country is based on. These are the pillars of this country. Once we can make ourselves comfortable along with this line, I think we can make a huge impact in taking this country forward.” he said.
Amadou Camara, chairman of West Coast Region Youth Committee gave an overview of the event, adding that the trainers for this year’s event involved great enthusiasts and people knowledgeable in their respective fields.
Chairman Camara reminded that the camp serves as an avenue for young people to engage, learn, and connect among themselves for the betterment of their common goals in West Coast Region.
He thus thanked one of their main donors, Vision Development Foundation for their timely contributions in making sure this event becomes a success.
“Initially people like me doubted that this camp will hold with the little and small resources we had at the time but Turo’s Darboe intervention made our dreams turn to realities.” he stated.
Also speaking, Momodou Turo Darboe, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Development Foundation, who is the chief patron, emphasised the importance of the camp, acknowledging that the camp is a perfect platform where youth, leaders, and communities come together to shape the future of the region and the nation at large.
CEO Darboe also maintained that the event is to promote accountability, human rights, and democratic governance.
“Democratic is not only a system of government, it is also a way of life that values freedom, justice, and respect for human rights.” he added.
To that end, The Gambian philanthropist reminded youths about the need to embrace ethical values, recognition of their norms, as good values give birth to trust - building, progress, and unity.
He described these virtues as vital in ensuring accountability especially is the use of public resources, transparency in decision -making, and a strong commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
He equally advised the youths to ensure that West Coast Region becomes a community where differences are respected, common resources are shared fairly, and every citizen feels proud to belong.
“You must be the drivers of innovation, the guardians of peace, and the champions of justice. You must use your voices not to divide but to unite, your skills not to destroy but to develop and your actions not for selfish gain but for the progress for all. Always remember the future of this country is in your hands as the youth of today. ” Turo stated.
