The comprehensive five-year plan will guide the development of youth and sports in The Gambia, ensuring alignment with the National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2028).
The Strategic Plan was developed by ESTRA Consulting firm and funded by UNPFA Gambia. During the development process, there was a nationwide consultation with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the youth and sports sectors, associations, civil society organizations, development partners, and government agencies.
The plan aligns with the Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2028), supporting the advancement of youth empowerment in the areas of sport, employment, entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development among others key priorities.
The Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028, which was developed by ESTRA Consulting and funded by UNFPA The Gambia, is the product of extensive consultation and collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including representatives of council members for both Youth and Sports sectors, associations, civil society organizations, development partners and various government agencies.
The plan is designed to align with the Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2028), ensuring that youth and sports initiatives contribute to the country's broader developmental goals.
Speaking at the validation workshop, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie emphasised the importance of this document, and encouraged attendees participation throughout the validation process.
Badjie expressed gratitude to UNFPA for the financial and technical support in the development of the strategic plan and legal framework.
He highlighted the validation workshop's critical role in refining the plan to ensure its quality, relevance, and practicality.
He added that the workshop would provide a platform for stakeholders to critically review and incorporate relevant inputs to ensure successful implementation of the strategic plan.
UNFPA The Gambia Country Representative, Ndeye Rose Sarr, noted that the UNFPA The Gambia support for the development of the plan is a testament to their commitment to the empowerment and development of the nation's youth.
"Young people are one of the most important constituents of The Gambia's population, with 60% being below 25 years of age,” Rose Sarr said.
Sarr emphasised UNFPA's focus on youth issues, highlighting that the strategic plan addresses key areas such as education, employment, and entrepreneurship, which are crucial to youth development.
The plan also acknowledges the role of sport in promoting physical and mental well-being, discipline, and teamwork among the population.
