By Lamarana S Jallow
The Minister of Youth and Sports has pronounced the planned reactivation of special agricultural programmes to further support youth entrepreneurship and employment. He urged private agencies and international partners to support NYSS initiatives, and emphasised the role of youth in the country’s economic development.
Hon.Bakary Y. Badjie made the pronouncement at the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) of The Gambia’s14th batch graduation. The graduates come from the seven administrative areas. 123 out of 133 participants completed the rigorous two-year skill acquisition training programme.
Minister Badjie, in celebrating the young graduates who met all NYSS requirements from recruitment to orientation, congratulated the Corps members on their achievements and emphasised the importance of the skills training programme in addressing youth unemployment and irregular migration.
Youth Minister Badjie further reaffirmed that government’s commitment to youth development, with ongoing investments in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
‘‘The Government has devoted significant resources to the development of youth through livelihood skills training and other support initiatives within the framework of harnessing the potential of young people,’’ Minister Badjie highlighted.
The Executive Director of NYSS, Mr Abass Bah, highlighted that the programme aims to equip young people with marketable skills in areas such as agriculture, auto mechanics, IT, and construction.
He added that, the graduates, consisting of 62 females and 71 males, have been trained in various technical and vocational skills essential for self-employment and national development.
The NYSS, through the Ministry, is charged with the responsibility of molding the youth to promote community cohesion, development, self-reliance, and being resourceful for national development, aiming to save them from harmful societal evils such as drug abuse, lack of skills, unemployment and the perilous irregular migration or “back way journey.”
