The National Association of Youth and Children Organisation (NAYCO), in collaboration with Cultural Association Geopardi (CAG) from Finland, recently launched two pilot programmes on Basic Education on Arts and Craft for young Gambian youth.

Fifteen young Gambians from different youth organisations were selected to be part of the pilot programmes after passing an entry examination.

The whole programme was said to be financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The programme included artwork on colouring, composition, drawing and painting, and broken tiles and printing.

According to Pirjo Jagne, the administrative manager of CAG, the cost of the project was estimated to be D1.2 million.

He said that since year 2000 the association has been actively engaged in giving training on arts and craft to schoolchildren and women within the rural and urban areas, adding that beneficiaries are trained on literacy and how to make batik, and tie and dye.

She also said the aims of CAG include promoting education and cultural affairs in line with the United Nations Millennium Goals, and building the capacity of school dropouts.

Dawda Secka, who spoke on behalf of the youth, expressed sentiments of appreciation.  He said they have achieved a lot from the training and promised to make the best use of the knowledge gained from it.

Mr. Secka commended the sponsors - Pirjo Villins, general manager of CAG, and Pirjo Jagne, administrative manager of CAG - for their invaluable contribution to the welfare and wellbeing of Gambian youth.

He also commended NAYCO for their partnership in the programme.