By Olimatou Coker
The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), on Thursday organised a swearing-in ceremony for the 13th batch of its new corps members.
The event, interspersed with a parade and other activities, was held at the Schemes grounds in Bakau.
The Scheme is a body responsible for boosting the morale of young people by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement. The NYSS also has the responsibility of providing the youths with marketable skills, so that they may secure employment in both the formal and informal sectors.
Emmanuel D Mendy, executive director of NYSS, called the event another milestone in the history of the Scheme since inception in 1996.
He said the new corps members were recruited across the country by regional committees chaired and co-chaired by governors and chief executive officers of area/ municipal councils in line with provisions of the NYSS Act.
This ensures that regional partners take ownership of the process in identifying young people willing to learn skills for employment and or self-employment, he said.
“This ceremony is one of the most important events as corps members take an oath of service to the nation,” he stated.
He thanked the Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for providing the necessary resources to help young people acquire skills for a sustainable livelihood.
Hadrammeh Sidibeh, Minster for Youth and Sports, urged the new intakes to work hard and to be discipline.
“Discipline is the cornerstone of a tolerant and progressive society”, he told them.
He said a recent impact assessment has showed “a very high demand” from youths wanting to join the scheme.
“You are the future of this nation and your empowerment is vital for our socio-economic development,” the minister said.
Sarjo Cham, a corps member, gave the vote of thanks.
“It is also important to inform you all that, all of us are in good shape and mind, strong, healthy and ready for the task ahead of us,” he said.
The new intakes will study at the Scheme for two years, honing their skills in carpentry, welding and others. At the end of their training, the Corps are expected to get employed or be self-reliant.
