The 2018 annual summer youth camp of Beakanyang Monday kicked off at the regional agriculture directorate in Basse, Upper River Region.
The camp is organised under the theme, “Making Human Rights Reality for All in The Gambia”. Addressing the participants, Tumani Danjo, acting director of Beakanyang said: “We are working tirelessly to promote a culture of human rights in the country and inspire these youth to become agents of change and take charge of their own destiny.”
He noted that during the course of the five-day camp, participants numbering 40, drawn mainly from URR, KMC and CRR will be exposed to various relevant thematic areas namely; human rights, ICT in development, climate change, child marriage, entrepreneurship, leadership, integrity, drug and substance abuse, FGM and irregular migration.
“The main objective of this camp is to provide a unique platform for young people from diverse backgrounds to network and learn various disciplines and get inspired,” he added.
According to him, the objectives of the camp also include to teach participants about their rights and things that can add value to their lives.
He said Beakanyang as an organisation always strives to promote young people´s active, responsible and continuous participation in national development.
He stated: “We work to create an inclusive society where all young people will be engaged, informed and inspired to take the challenge of actively participating in the national development.”
URR governor Fatou Jammeh-Touray, paid tribute to Beakanyang for organising the camp and said: “As we gather, let us not gather for the sake of youth gathering, we have to make it meaningful. I speak to the youths as a mother, I want the best for the youths, for you are the future leaders of this great nation.”
She said it was a “delightful sight” seeing young people promoting human rights in The Gambia, assuring organisers of her continued support.
A representative of Basse Area Council chairman, wished campers success and a successful stay in Basse.
Muhammed Ceesay, chairperson, URR Regional Youth Committee, said the summer camp is important as it creates unionism, and sends a signal to government that investing in youth and youth empowerment, is a must.
Speaking earlier, Yahya Sumareh, Board chairman of Beakanyang, urged the youths to effectively participate in the camp
“Youths must not limit themselves to white colour jobs, it’s necessary to learn skills and become young entrepreneurs and I am happy that these are some of the things you will be discussing”, he noted.
Publicity Manager, Buba S Njie, thanked Youth for Human Rights International, USA, Youth for Human Rights The Gambia and Basse Area Council for partnering.
Board Secretary Fanding Barrow, chaired the ceremony.
