The Kombo East District Youth Committee (KEDYC) in collaboration with the Kombo East District Youth and Children Development Association organised a two-day training on the National Youth Policy of The Gambia at Pirang Basic Cycle School in Kombo East, Western Region.

The workshop which ended on Sunday was part of a series of activities designed for 2007, following the formation of a new committee in February 2006, at a congress which brought together 13 members from different villages in the district.

In his presentation on the policy, Lamin Gassama, Chairperson of Western Region Youth Committee, encouraged the participants to take ownership of the policy, noting that the document will gather dust if the youths failed to make good use of it. Mr. Gassama reminded the youths that rights go with responsibilities.

Mr. Gassama told the youths that they will be isolated if they do not inculcate in themselves, a sense of belonging.
According to Mr. Gassama, the objectives of the policy are to empower young men and women to realise their potentials and ensure responsible citizenship.

In her remarks, Fatou Gassama, Chairperson of Kombo East District- Youth Committee, reported that the committee has engaged in a series of activities, such as familiarisation tour of the district and has participated in youth activities in the country. She described the training as crucial in the execution of the mandate bestowed on them.

Lamin Darboe, Coordinator of KEDYC, said the training was inspired by the the first Kombo East Youth Empowerment Forum organised by Pirang Fondinke Kambeng Kafoo (Group) in Pirang.
Mr. Darboe used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Kaira Nyining CFF Programme Area in Kombo East for sponsoring the training.