Executives of the Youth Employment Network YEN- Gambia Chapter yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council (NYC), at his office at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

The meeting was meant to introduce the new executive of the network to the council, and to brief the later about their plan of activities.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Abdou Boye, the National Coordinator of YEN Gambia, said the network was restructured in April this year that gave it a new image.

According to him, YEN Gambia is part of a global network operating in over hundred countries that work and advocate for youth employment.

He revealed that in the Gambia, advocacy, research on youth employment, capacity- building for members, partnership and networking are some of their future plans of activities.

YEN Coordinator further revealed that YMCA is the brain behind the restructuring of YEN, and promised to sponsor the advocacy component of their activities.

But he was quick to add that as of now, they did not receive any funds regarding the said partnership.

He urged NYC to consider partnering with YEN in implementing some of their advocacy programmes.

In response, Abdoulie Fye, the Programmes Officer of NYC commended the revival of YEN Gambia. He lamented that before the coming of the current executive, YEN Gambia used to be very dormant, and only participates in international summits, while doing little at the country level.

He applauded the new leadership of YEN for their efforts in changing the image of the network.

Commenting on the issue of research, Fye said, that it’s a wise idea, thus tasking YEN to come up with proposal so that they can view it together and submit it to the GAMJOS to see if they can secure any support.

He cited the creation of the National Youth Service Scheme NYSS and the National Enterprise Development Initiative as some of the programmes initiated by the government to boost youth employment.

NYC’s Programs Officer implored on YEN to sign Memorandum of Understanding with YMCA.

For his part, Marcel Mendy, the Executive Secretary of NYC commended YEN for their foresight in meeting relevant stakeholders.

NYC boss encouraged them to continue the good work, and tighten their belts in the cause of young people of the Gambia.

“It’s always the pride of the NYC to see youth organisations and networks fully operational.

“We have taken up a challenge to serve young people in our various leadership capacities. It’s therefore our responsibility to meet up the expectations,” he stated.

Mendy encouraged YEN to use the most effective and efficient means of communication in their advocacy work.