Gambia-Norwegian friends ends visit

By Omar Bah Officials of 4H team a Norwegian-based youth group recently concluded a two-week friendly visits to 4H Gambia youths club. The team visited and held meetings with the youth clubs of Bayaba, Manna and Jarumeh Koto of Central River Region. Speaking during one of the meetings, Tor Brekke team leader said both organizations attached so much to the promotion of friendly exchange visits in the promotion of cultural ties cannot be overemphasis. He noted that the visit avails both parties the opportunity to witness a day-long training on Tie & Dye, saying “during the training we exchange livelihood skills among other things. The concept of the group was driven since in the 1980s to exchange friendly relations with their Gambian friends. We are also glad that the country has such centres (referring to the Songhai centre); these are the kind of centres the young farmers need to improve food production and productivity.” He continues: “The initiative is in line with the global motor contributing to the diversification and creation of employment opportunities in the country”. The team leader used the opportunity to hail the management and board of 4H Gambia for their commitment and steadfastness in promoting the concepts of 4H at community levels and schools. Meanwhile, Alieu Ceesay National Coordinator of 4H the Gambia thanked the communities and youths of the country for their invaluable support in strengthening the concept of 4H ideas to sustainable development aspiration in the Gambia. Commenting on the exchange visit, Ceesay asserted that it has contributed in sharing of cultural practise and enhance networking, noting that the team spent nights with their host families to learn more about family lives in the West African country. He said his organization is committed to youths development and empowerment, saying “We also provide these youth with enough funds to venture in to animal husbandry, poultry keeping, vegetable production and other income generation activities to enhance sustainable livelihood. “In 2017 we want to promote networking and partnership to ensure stronger linkages in advancing youth and women development to attain national development objectives,” he said. Bala Dumbuya 4H Cluster Committee and board member to National 4H Board thanks their sister organization in Norway for their unflinching support and cooperation to national office over the years. He said during the last years they have provided funds to the communities of Kerr Ngorr, saying “In that funds we bought 12 cows, 3 sheep and we put D12, 000 in the club’s account. The initiatives also provided 6 solar panels to youth clubs and members as part of the lightening project initiative”. Anne Kan Eliassen, a Norwegian, who also serves as a female representative said the initiative enhances public speaking; promote team building and information sharing.]]>