Nfamara Jawneh, a Youth Activist cum Journalist was the only Gambian fortunate to attend the 9th Youth Assembly held at the United Nations (New York) from 3-5 August 2011.
In an Exclusive Interview with the Youth Platform, Mr Jawneh spoke about the Assembly in its entirety.    Read the full interview.

Q: Can you describe the just concluded Youth Assembly held in New York?

I was among 600 young people all over the world who attended the just concluded 9th edition of the World Youth Assembly at the UN in New York City with the theme  focus on discussion on how young people, youth leaders in particular could contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Having attended the conference, what next are you planning?

Actually, indeed I want to share the knowledge and experience gained from the Assembly with the young people and involved many young people in The Gambia in genuine advocacy on the MDGs, and also to initiate more youth projects in the coming months.

When you say youth projects what exactly do you signify?

I feel young people have the skills and the comprehension to achieve their dreams and aspirations in life but lack of guidance and motivation is something that I am willing to offer to them at no cost.
I may not do this in isolation but through the various youth organisations that I am working with. As you know I am the communication and advocacy officer for Youth Employment Network (YEN), secretary-general, Beakanyang, regional president of West African Journalists Net work for Peace Building and recently appointed national president of World Youth Parliament of  The Gambia chapter.

Why did you decided to come back to The Gambia?

Well I perceived no reason why I should stay in the USA as at now, as I have travel extensively all over the world but I always make sure that after my mission, I returned back home to share my knowledge and experience with the young people, who do not have the opportunity to be part of such important events because if I had decided to reside in the USA, I will denied other young people such opportunities in future.

What are some of the main areas thrashed out during the 9th edition?

Actually the discussions centered on the MDGs more especially poverty eradication. ‘’I have  noticed that with just few years to the MDGs date lines most people in the country do not in actuality distinguish these global development agendas. So as advocates, this is where our role comes in to create more awareness and to remind our leaders of these commitments.’’

How do you feel being the only Gambian participant to attend the 2011 Assembly?

 I Feel so delighted for being the only Gambian to be part of the 2011 Assembly, even though I was made to understand that few other young people from The Gambia have also applied but were not issued U.S Visa.
So I see this as a unique opportunity for me not because I am perhaps the best candidate to represent my country but perhaps I have convinced the consular that when issued a visa I will surely come back to continue the work that I am doing for my country. And thank God that I am back. ‘’ but I feel very shocked upon my return when I watched GRTS that  young people are still struggling to reach Europe, even though there are a lot of legal means of travelling.’’
Also to be honest, there are quite a number of training opportunities locally that these young people should exploit before thinking of migration. Believe me, I have seen Gambians and other Africans suffering in Europe due to lack of proper documentations and skills. So am advising all young people to desist from embarking on such risky journeys hence what they thought of Europe is not really the case.  

What are your final words?

I am so grateful to the management of The Point News Paper for their continuous trust and confidence in me because attending such a high profile event gives me the opportunity to learn new ideas and share experiences with other young people and diplomats. I therefore called on youth organisations and young people in general to remain focus and unite for their common good.

 Personally I will be more than willing to share my knowledge and know-how with any convincing youth organisations.

I also thank The Youth Platform for the dialogue.