By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow, on Friday, launched the National Youth Service Graduate Program at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.
The National Youth Service initiative is designed to instill discipline, hard work, and loyalty to the Gambia in its members. It also aims to create employment opportunities for young graduates.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the president said that the initiative is a testament to his government’s commitment to enhancing the employability and development of the youth. He added that the program will provide young people with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of young people across the Gambia. It will provide them with the opportunity to serve their country, learn new skills, and make a difference in their communities.
“This initiative is another clear testimony of my government’s commitment to enhancing the employability and development of our youths. With the awareness that more than sixty-three (63%) of our population are under the age of thirty-five (35), my government has, since its inception, continued to devise strategies to empower the youths and create opportunities for them in various areas that include education, training, and sports,” He said.
The President also conveyed his appreciation that this initiative took place while he was serving as the President of The Gambia.
“I am thankful that it is during my tenure as President that The Gambia is implementing a National Youth Service Programme for university graduates. The target for this phase is one hundred (100) University of The Gambia graduates and will be implemented by the National Youth Service Scheme, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the University,” The President expressed.
The Minister of Youth and Sports encouraged the inaugural cohort of the National Youth Service Scheme to exhibit diligence and unwavering commitment to their duties.
“You being the first batch means that you are the ones that are going to be the Ambassadors of this program, it’s success or otherwise will likely depend on how well you do in the places where you are going to be placed,” He said.
The minister stressed that the youth service scheme is an opportunity for young people to give back to their country. He reiterated that the youth service scheme is not a vacation or a break from reality.
“You shouldn’t be expecting you will go in there and continue to enjoy or have a good time. It is a period for you to take as a learning call for you and able to understand that civil service is for those who are dedicated, committed and ready to serve the people,” he said.