By Baba Sillah
Members of Karantaba Youth Development Association [KYDA] on Saturday 23 December, 2017 converged at the village bantaba to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the association.
The event was graced by governor Ebrima KS Dampha of North Bank Region and the minister of environment and forestry, Lamin B Dibba.
Speaking at the occasion under the theme ‘Role of Young People in National Development,’ Farmara Fofana, guest speaker, thanked the youth of Karantaba for forming such association that is geared towards the development of the village.
Mr Fofana tasked the youth of the association to maintain discipline, peace and unity among themselves saying such anniversary could not have happened if these three important things are lacking among the members of the association.
He also challenged them to take education seriously and acquire skills, noting that no nation can achieve its development goals without the participation of the youth.
“As youth, you should be creative and initiate your own skills without depending on others. You should be innovative and ready to face challenges ahead of you. The youth should not engage in laziness and crimes that will undermine the development of the nation,” Mr Fofana advised.
Also speaking, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Lamin B Dibba emphasised the need for transparency in their activities which he said will enable the members build confidence and trust among themselves to promote the agenda and aspiration of the association.
Mr Dibba also seized the occasion to task the association to be conscious of their environment and protect their forest by planting more trees so as to fight climate change and global warming.
Mr Dibba also promised the association of his ministry’s readiness to support them whenever the need arises, noting that the aspiration of the youth is always a priority of his ministry especially in the areas of environment and forestry.
The governor of the region, Ebrima KS Dampha also made similar remark, calling on the people of Karantaba and its environ to reconcile and foster unity among themselves for the development of the village.
Meanwhile as part of their social responsibilities, the association donated medical items to the labour unit of Bakang health centre and stationery to Karantaba Lower Basic School worth D25,000.
Certificates were also awarded to the most outstanding members of the association for their hardwork and sacrifice toward the success of the association, including Famara Fofana for his support to the youth development.
KYDA was registered with the Attorney General Chambers, National Youth Council. It is a voluntary youth association, none political , and none profit making association. The association was founded in October 2012 by the youth of Karantaba village in Jokadu District, North Bank Region with the aim of encouraging and empowering young people to take lead role in the development of the village. KYDA is conscious of the fact that the development of The Gambia will be far-fetched if young people lack the ability, determination and courage to take up the development challenges and initiatives.
Since its inception, the association has embarked on several development programs and implemented series of activities that are in line with the intervention areas of the association such as education, agriculture, health, environment and sport.
