By Lamarana S .Jallow
In its quest to fulfill its mandate of promoting youth entrepreneurship, skills development and leadership, and ensuring excellence in youth and sports that generate value, the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Friday, 2nd September, 2022, concluded a two-day retreat aimed at reviewing its five-year strategic plan at a local hotel in Kololi.
The forum brought together about 40 participants drawn from satellite institutions of the ministry and some key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports said the review will provide an opportunity to assess progress in the sector and identify issues that need to be addressed in order to improve performance and efficiency.
He challenged participants to prioritise and devote time to the process as it will determine the realisation of the aspirations and dreams of young people. He went on to assure his office’s unalloyed commitment to ensuring the young people’s issues are prioritised and taken up with all seriousness.
The Consultant, Mr. Sulayman M. Trawally said the strategic plan, if implemented, will go a long way in helping the ministry address youth and sports issues with a view to ensuring sustainable livelihood for youth through skills development and excellence in sports.
Deliberating on sports, Mr. Marchel Mendy, Executive Director of The Gambia National Sports Council, stressed the need for more investment in sports for the achievement of excellence in sports.
Deputy Executive Director of National Youth Service Scheme, Mr. Mustapha Badjie highlighted some of the success stories of his institution and her plans.
Speaking for the National Youth Council, Mr. Alagie Jarju, Executive Director of National Youth Council, pointed out some of the achievements of the NYC while highlighting the priority activities of his office and what they intend to achieve in the coming years.
Mr. Musa Mbye, Deputy Permanent Secretary who served as the moderator, acknowledged the commitment and hard work of members of staff of the ministry.
“The purpose of this retreat is to ensure that we come up with strategies which will help the ministry achieve her mission. Therefore, you are all encouraged to give your best to the deliberations during the retreat”, he said.
