Mrs. Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, the SoS for Communication, Information and Technology, on Saturday, December 9 launched at the Sun Beach Hotel, an organization called ‘Young People in the Media’ (YPM), that aims to give children the opportunity to express their feelings and aspiration on burning issues affecting them in their daily lives.

In her launching remark, Mrs. Macduoll-Gaye said the establishment of YPM is laudable, adding that the opportunity that makes another mark in the media should be used constructively and positively for the development of society. She said news reporting, articles and general information presented to the public should be factual, objective and precise so that there would be no misunderstanding.
“You should report what is true and you should be able to defend your position at all times. As media practitioners, you must critically use and create information under basis of professional standards and procedures. On radio and television as well as the print media, you have to be credible, professional and responsible in reporting,” she said.

On the use of internet, Mrs. Macdouall-Gaye added, young people must be reading and communicating on educative matters, adding that not only for curiosity, but also to develop skills and knowledge for their basic education and school curriculum. “In this age of information technology, you have to be fast learners, but you would also have to be selective on what you read and write,” she advised.

While thanking the organization for its noble initiative, Mrs. Neneh Macduoll-Gaye hailed President Jammeh for creating the conducive atmosphere for young people to take up challenges and realize self-work.

Mrs. Neneh Macduoll-Gaye further stated that Gambia enjoys a greater press freedom contrary to what critics say about press freedom in the country. “You will agree with me that there is press freedom in The Gambia and to demonstrate this, count how many newspapers we’ve registered since 1994.
How many FM Stations have been registered since 1994? What this government of the day will not accept is irresponsibility. You cannot hide behind press freedom and trample on the rights and freedom of somebody else. You cannot hide under press freedom and incite either religious intolerance or political intolerance,” she said.

Speaking earlier, Satang Nabaneh, the Secretary-General of the organization said: “Young People in the Media (YPM) seeks to empower young people within the framework of participatory platform for children and young people in the electronic and print media, addresses inequalities, promotes and protects the rights and well-being of children in the society.

Fanta Bai Ceesay, the Director of Social Welfare lauded the children for their initiative, adding that the organization has a great responsibility in hand. “You must protect and promote children’s ideas at all times while bearing in mind that you will be accountable, she said.

The ceremony was presided over by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr Ajaratou Isatou Njie-Saidy, who assured the children of President Jammeh and his government’s support so long they remain responsible and productive.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Mrs. Cheryl Gregory Faye, the Unicef representative in The Gambia, Abdou Jatta, the President of the association. Miss Fanta Sidibeh, Information Secretary of the association, delivered the vote of thanks.