The Governor of West Coast Region Alhagie Lamin Sanneh has lauded the tremendous efforts of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP-Gambia) for their contribution in the socio-economic development of the Gambia.
Governor Sanneh was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new YEP-Gambia Mini Palace in Brikama Sunday 27 March 2011. He said the project aims at empowering the youth in order for them to become ambassadors in their respective areas, adding that the government of the day in 1997 created the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) meant to alleviate poverty and create employment for the youths. “Along that, National Employment Development Initiative (NEDI) in supporting the young people who are the leaders in the future,” he said.
The government has also created an enabling environment for the young people and today, we can see that YEP is also complementing the efforts of the government as over 53 young people have undergone intensive training through YEP-Gambia and its parent body YEP-Africa.
“I am urging you the youths to focus on your country’s development and forget seeking greener pastures elsewhere as you have a lot of opportunities here. For me I would rather prefer to become a salve in the palace than a king in the gutter,” he emphasized, calling on the youths to change their attitudes towards development.
The co-founder of YEP-Africa, Paul Englishman noted that the purpose of project is to connect Gambian youths with the West, saying that this will create a partnership that focuses on youth empowerment and development. He said they will continue to work in partnership with the Gambia government in the promotion of the welfare of youths.
He further said YEP is an organisation that empowers the youths through leadership and entrepreneurship as well as empowering young people by creating enabling conditions under which they can act on their own behalf rather than being dictated. “Young people are empowered when they admit that they have or can make choices in life. They become aware of those choices, make free decisions, take action based on what they have decided and face the challenges of those actions.
Shedding light on the aims of the YEP-Gambia, Mr Englishman the youth project is established to create sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities for the youths so they can meet their basic needs, reduce the unemployment rate among the youths of the Gambia.
He further stated that it’s objectives are to empower youths to take full charge in designing their future, to assist youths in making informed decisions and choices about their future careers.
Other speakers included Dembo Kuyateh YEP-Gambia chairperson, Omar Njie YPE-Gambia ambassador who also doubles as the director Food and Hygiene, who all pledge their support and readiness to be associated with the project in order to develop the young people at time.
YEP-Gambia office manager, Kaddy Sanyang gave the vote of thanks, while Fatoumatta Jallow communication and project head moderate the ceremony.