By Tabora Bojang
National Youth Council, the umbrella body for all national and local youth civil society organisations in The Gambia, on Wednesday gathered dozens of young people at the FIFA Goal Project in Yundum for policy dialogue on migration.
The two-day youth forum funded by German partners Konad Adenaur Stiftung brought together at least 40 young people from across the country who are mainly working on migration issues, returnees and youth representatives from across the seven administrative regions.
The event sought to identify specific youth priorities, highlight existing available opportunities and come up with plans and recommendations to mitigate irregular migration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NYC executive director Alagie Jarju, said migration and its related issues have become a case for a national and global discussion which has specific impacts on the lives and livelihoods of young people.
He said the forum is expected to avail the young people the requisite knowledge on global and national migration trends by helping them make informed decisions responsive to the needs of their communities.
Jarju reiterated NYC’s commitment with support from the government to continue investing in youth-led programmes and projects to curb the irregular way of migration.
NYC chairman Ousman Fatty stated that the affairs of the young people should be discussed by themselves and any decision taken should revolve around their recommendations.
He explained that the youth population is more vulnerable to the menace of irregular migration noting that thousands of young people each year embark on this risk journey in search of greener pastures.
“Some make it while others face unforeseen circumstances. It is as a result that the NYC through funding from Konad Adenaur Stiftung organised a national migration summit so that youth can discuss migration and come up with recommendations to mitigate the issue” Fatty outlined.
Alhagie Kebbeh the chief adviser to the Minister of Youths and Sports also graced the occasion. Mr Kebbeh who was based in Germany but returned to The Gambia following the completion of his course advised the participants to take interest in the available opportunities available in The Gambia to become successful entrepreneurs.
