Mr. Pa Malick Ceesay, Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council (NYC) yesterday informed Youth Forum that preparation for this year’s National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) slated for the 16th – 24th December in Farafenni NBR is in high gear.

Speaking in an interview with this reporter at his office in Bakau, Mr. Ceesay said that the marketing and publicity sub-committee has already finalised their marketing strategy paper and that the conference sub committee has also prepared its programme.

The committee, he added, has identified resource persons that are expected to make paper presentations at the programme.

The NYC Executive Secretary further revealed that the National Organising committee would meet today and reviews the reports and activities of all the sub-committees. According to him, the meeting will also look at institutional contributions towards the event and find ways for more possible funding.

He revealed that the theme for this year is “Invest in Youth for Sustainable Development”.

The workshop is geared towards creating a platform for young people to have a greater understanding of the issues affecting them, accept each other and explore means through which they can contribute towards national development. The event would also look into key issues on the role of youths in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The main component of the event will among others include the conference, cultural shows, performances and carnival, awards ceremony, sporting activities and beauty contest.

The bi-annual event is expected to bring together over five hundred young people from across the country and beyond to interact and discuss issues affecting their lives.

He assures Gambian youths of a successful NAYCONF.