By Maimuna Sey-Jawo
The annual Muslim Youth Camp organised by the Assembly of Gambia Muslim Youth (Agamy) in partnership with the Federation of Gambia Muslim Students Organisation (Fegamso) ended at the Kotu Senior Secondary School.
The annual convergence, which attracted over 200 participants, was held under the theme ‘Unlocking the Potential of the Youth for National Development.’
Yankuba Jarjue, camp director, said this year’s annual gathering attracted participants from different institutions across all regions of the country.
This year’s youth camp, he said, features different activities including an international conference with delegates from Senegal and a day’s sensitisation on entrepreneurship.
There was also a forum involving officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) which discusses dangers of drug abuse among others.
Jarjue indicated that the annual youth event was designed to enable young people network, learn and share ideas on matters affecting their lives in line with Islamic principles.
He expressed optimism that at the end of the youth event, participants would have better understanding of the society and the world at large.
Sheikh Tijan Cham, vice principal of Kotu Senior Secondary School, underscored the importance of the annual gathering.
“The event would equip youth with the fundamental principles of Islam,” he said.
He acknowledged that Islam is a religion of moderation and tolerance and that excessiveness is against the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
“The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was with authority, but because of his tolerance, he was able to live alongside people of different faiths.”
Oumie Salima Jallow, vice president of Fegamso, said their organisation as the students’ wing of Agamy seeks to promote and propagate the teachings of Islam among members.
Lamin Sanyang, principal of Kotu Senior Secondary School, urged youths to shun violence and other societal-ills.
Omar Bojang, president of Agamy, spoke at length on issues affecting his organisation, and called for more support particularly from authorities.
“We have been organising annual youth camps like this one, but we are disappointed with the non-attendance of government officials especially those from the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” he said.
