The NYSS was established by the Gambia government to provide the needed skills and knowledge to young people in the country in response to the acute problem of youth unemployment in The Gambia.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of a corps of 123 NYSS members held at a local hotel in Senegambia, Beyai pointed out that NYSS had built the capacity of about 6,000 youth since 1996.
"We have built the capacity of many youths who are now serving the ministry,” he said, adding that the scheme has empowered youth who are now working in different public and private institutions across the country.
"Some youths are even working for themselves as entrepreneurs," he said, commending the NYSS as having been honoured as “an institution that does not leave anyone behind” but all are catered to in the scheme.
"The scheme has catered to youth who dropped from lower, upper and senior secondary schools,” Beyai remarked. ‘‘We are now catering for university graduates as we provide them with the needed skills and knowledge."
The NYSS PRO calls on Gambia government and development partners to double their efforts in helping NYSS to support the youth in this crucial time to boost youth employment and curb irregular migration.
"Let’s try to engage the youth,” he appeals, saying: “If we fail to engage them, they would engage themselves with criminal activities such as the sale of drugs. Please let’s engage them!"
Beyai revealed that NYSS has partnered with several skills development institutions such as The Gambia College, University of Applied Science Engineering and Technology (USET), the Girl Presentation, and Chamen Training Centre.
"These institutions charge NYSS lesser tuition fees than they charge individual students,” he said. "We have made the youth what they are today. At NYSS, we do not compromise professionalism and standards. So, we force them to be professionals."
Beyai urged the graduands to always maintain discipline, and work hard to establish their various businesses, saying that would help them to attain their aspirations.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Council (NYC) has hosted a round-table discussion on the National Action Plan for Youth, Peace and Security with stakeholders including representatives of government, embassies, development partners, and civil society organisations.
The vital conversation session brought together passionate youth leaders, policymakers and community advocates to discuss and shape the future of youth around peace-building efforts.
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