The first batch of fifteen youngsters from different community-based youth organisations have completed a three-month long pilot training on basic education in arts and craft at the 22 July Square in Banjul, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The D1.2 million programme is being implemented by the National Association of Youth and Children’s Organisation (Nayco), in collaboration with Cultural Association Geopardi (CAG), Finland.
The training covers colours, composition, drawing and painting, broken tiles and printing.
 
According to Pirjo Jagne, Administrative Manager of CAG, the association has been engaged in arts and craft training for the rural and urban areas, since 2000. Ms Jagne added that the programme targets school children and women, who are also trained on batik, tie and dye, and adult literacy for the women. According to her, the association aims to promote education and culture in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, as well as to build the capacity of school drop outs.

Dawda Secka, who spoke on behalf of the participants, expressed appreciation, saying they have achieved useful training. He assured that the knowledge gained from the training will be put into good use. 
He thanked the donors, Nayco and CAG for their contribution to development of Gambian youths.