The first-ever Kombo East District YouthConnekt Forum 1.0 is a district-level youth empowerment initiative in The Gambia designed to foster youth dialogue, leadership and community transformation.
The inaugural edition was held in Narang Ward, Basori Village, before heading to Tumani Tenda in Kafuta Ward for a three-day, youth-led event.
The forum's primary goal was to empower young people across the Kombo East District through engaging panel discussions, face-to-face dialogues, and capacity-building activities.
The sessions allow participants to openly discuss district-specific challenges, connect with experienced experts, and explore practical solutions for sustainable development.
The forum brings together young people, community leaders, and local policymakers to exchange ideas.
Key stakeholders for the event include the Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance (KEYCDA) and YouthConnekt Gambia, along with support from UNDP The Gambia.
Follow updates on community impacts via National Youth Council - The Gambia and KEYCDA Facebook Page.
Face-to-Face Dialogues: Platforms to discuss pressing issues affecting youth development and participation.
Interactive Panel Discussions: Sessions led by keynote speakers and local experts aimed at capacity building and exploring practical solutions to community challenges.
Leadership: Featured insights from key figures including District Youth Chair Christine S. Mendy, Regional Youth Chairperson Amadou Camara and Youth Councillor Binta Senghore.
Objectives: Focused on meaningful face-to-face dialogue regarding opportunities available to young people and collective action for community transformation.
Partners: Supported by YouthConnekt Africa, UNDP The Gambia, the National Youth Council - The Gambia, and Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance.
District-Specific Problem Solving: Participants openly addressed pressing local issues, such as water shortages, deforestation, and civic engagement, ensuring solutions directly address community needs.
Expert Connections and Mentorship: Panels connected everyday citizens, local youth, and women’s groups with seasoned policy and development experts to transfer vital knowledge.
Hands-on Capacity Building: Workshops translate dialogue into action, focusing on practical skills for community leadership, project management, and sustainable environmental or economic practices.
Panel Discussions: Experts and policymakers convene to share evidence-based solutions regarding economic resilience, environmental conservation, and local civic participation.
Meanwhile, community dialogues and capacity-building sessions in the Kombo East District drive sustainable development by empowering local youth, women, and community leaders.
The initiatives foster grassroots governance, enabling participants to address critical challenges and build a more resilient community.
