The Gambia National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), under the Department of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, is currently embarking on the mobilisation and recruitment of prospective corps members for the ninth intakes.
According to Marcel Mendy, Public Relations Officer of the NYSS, the process which is conducted nationwide, is intended to recruit 150 young Gambians and will end with a recruitment interview, slated for 25-30 June 2007. He added that the interview will be followed by an orientation exercise.

“The six weeks orientation period, is when new members are housed at the NYSS Youth Camp and are introduced to leadership skills and good practices. Additionally, they will receive introductory lectures in all skills areas offered, including counselling, sexual and reproductive health and tradition, amongst others.

The NYSS spokesman further stated that the main purpose of the regulated camp practices and lectures is to instill discipline in the new recruits, strengthen their social and mental endurance and also to polish their practical, social and leadership skills before their deployment to the various training institutions for skills acquisition.

He then urged Gambian youth to pick up the forms from the offices of regional governors and take advantage of the two-year training programme. He clearly indicated that no cost has been attached to the training, even though its post benefits are overwhelming.