By Juldeh Njie
Sanyang Youths ‘Tesito’ Association (SYTA), a non-profitable community-base organisation in collaboration with Rotary Club International over the weekend held a leadership training for fifty young people in leadership skills at Sanyang Community Library.
The forum, ‘big bang’, was aimed at enlightening the young people and opinion leaders in the community on issues affecting their socio-economic development by committing them to take actions in the interest of national development.
Speaking at the event, Yankuba Darboe, member of Rotary Bijilo, said the day avails them the opportunity to open their hearts and discuss among themselves on critical areas affecting their lives.
“The other objective is to strengthen partnerships with other organizations here and abroad to ensure that our dreams as young people are realized. We believe every young person should have a spirit of development at heart in the interest of national development. If this is cultivated in every heart and mind then the development of this great country will be achieved,” he said.
He said given the fact that young people constitute the highest of the population in the country, it is important that they are productive, “As you know to be a productive youth you have to have a productive mind.”
Ba Saikou Bojang, who spoke on behalf of the Alkalo, thanked the youths for their laudable initiative and expressed delight for taking part in the forum, adding that “in every country the role of the elders is prayers but the future and development of any country is in the hands of the youths.”
He called on the young people to avoid superiority among themselves, saying “because superiority can lead to conflict. I would also like to urge the young people to erase the issue of tribalism from their hearts and work for the betterment of the country and humanity.”
Speaking on behalf of the SYTA chairperson, Yusufa Jassey said education as a right is a basic need for socio-economic transformation and advancement in the twenty-first century for every nation, adding: “No nation can progress when her youths lack appropriate skills and technique for development as they are the back bone of the country.”
He added: “SYTA is with the aim of empowering and supporting children and youths with basic knowledge and skills to realize their potentials in life, thus contribute immensely to national development.”
Shedding more light on the numerous activities and importance of the organization, Jassey said: “SYTA gained registration as a credible and vibrant Community Base Organization at AG Chambers, National Youth Council in 2004 to complement government’s effort.”
Meanwhile, the VDC Chairman Sheriff Bojang lauded the Sanyang youths for organizing what he called an important event. “Capacity building for youths to enable them to be conscious and be ready to take the mantle of leadership is crucial because the future of every nation is in its youths.”
Fatou Bah, who spoke on behalf of the district governor-elect, Rotary club-the Gambia gives similar sentiments, added: “The purpose of rotary is to give back to the community mostly young people and most especially girls to abstain from dubious activities.”
The forum was attended by the youth council director, youth-led organizations, village elders, and other important dignitaries.
