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Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie Boosts Community Sports with 6.5 Million Dalasis In a major move to support grassroots sports, the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports , Bakary Y. Badjie, today oversaw the distribution of 6.5 million dalasis to community sports committees across the country. This initiative aims to strengthen local sports, improve infrastructure, and create opportunities for young people. The signing ceremony was held at the The President’s International Award,the Gambia hall , Minister Badjie encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, stressing accountability and the need to follow through on their community projects. “This initiative is not just about giving funds; it’s about communities taking ownership, executing their plans, and making lasting improvements,” he said. The funds were distributed across Kanifing Municipality, Brikama, West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, and Upper River regions, with amounts ranging from 200,000 to 1 million dalasis. Key beneficiaries include: Kanifing Municipality: Serekunda East D1,000,000 and Serekunda West D500,000 In the West Coast region Brikama sports committee got D1,000,000; Sinchu Sorie D300,000 Wellingara D300,000, Allahtentu D300,000, Kubuneh D200,000; Kitty D300,000, Busura D300,000 and Gunjur D300,000 In the North Bank: Kerewan D300,000. Niumi Lamin, D500,000 , CorpsAfrica D500,000 Upper River: Badari D200,000 and Demba Kunda KassehD300,000 and D200,000.00 in jenoi in the Lower River region. Minister Badjie noted that while some communities received smaller amounts, allocations were based on local contributions and existing infrastructure. “This is the first time all these communities are being brought together under one coordinated initiative. In the past, support was given individually quietly, without broader coordination. Now, we are uniting communities, ensuring transparency, and maximizing impact,” he said. To ensure proper execution, larger amounts will be released in phases with 50% given initially and the remainder upon project progress. Smaller allocations, such as 200,000 dalasis, will be transferred in full. “This approach ensures every dalasi counts, projects are completed as planned, and young people across the country benefit from improved sports facilities,” the Minister added. This milestone highlights the government’s continued commitment to grassroots sports, youth development, and community empowerment in The Gambia.

Today, we officially kicked off a two-day capacity building training for Ministerial Focal Persons on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), bringing together 40 participants from various government ministries. The training aims to strengthen institutional coordination and enhance the effective implementation of The Gambia’s Youth, Peace and Security agenda across government structures. The opening ceremony was chaired by the Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Mr. Alagie Jarju, who welcomed participants and underscored the critical role of ministries in translating the YPS framework into tangible actions that positively impact young people nationwide. The event was graced by the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mandisa Mashologu, who delivered the keynote statement. In her address, she reaffirmed UNDP’s strong commitment to supporting The Gambia’s peacebuilding and youth empowerment efforts. She emphasized that young people are not only beneficiaries but also key actors in sustaining peace, preventing conflict, and strengthening social cohesion. Ms. Mandisa Mashologu highlighted the importance of equipping ministerial focal persons with the knowledge and skills to mainstream Youth, Peace and Security into sectoral policies, planning, and implementation. She further noted that investing in youth participation and inclusive governance is essential for long-term peace and national development. Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Abass Bah stressed the Government’s continued dedication to the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. He highlighted that The Gambia has made significant strides, including the establishment of a Technical Working Group that coordinated the development of the country’s first-ever National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NAP-YPS). He also acknowledged the series of capacity-building initiatives for the Technical Working Group and the nationwide popularization of the NAP-YPS, noting that this training is a crucial step toward deepening ownership and coordination at the ministerial level. He called on participants to actively engage and champion YPS principles within their respective institutions. The training seeks to: ✔️ Strengthen understanding of the Youth, Peace and Security framework ✔️ Enhance coordination among ministries on YPS implementation ✔️ Support the mainstreaming of YPS into national and sectoral policies ✔️ Build the capacity of focal persons to effectively contribute to peacebuilding and youth inclusion This important initiative is being implemented with support from the Infrastructure for Peace Project, funded by the Peacebuilding Fund through UNDP. Together, we continue to invest in young people as agents of peace, stability, and sustainable development in The Gambia.

The Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, Friday welcomed the unstoppable Berewuleng Football Club to the Ministry, following their remarkable double triumph — winning both the GFF Women’s First Division League and the Women’s FA Cup! The team where led by Board Member Sarjo Sowe and Head Coach Fakebba Saine, the champions were received with praise and admiration. Also present were senior officials of the Ministry including DPS Musa Mbye, DPS Lamin A. Camara, Director of Youth & Sports, Mr . Abass Bah, Acting ED Mahmoud Jawla The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC and General Manager of the Independence Stadium Ebou Faye. During their courtesy visit, the team showcased their championship journey and presented their two hard-earned trophies to the Ministry — a gesture of unity and national pride. They also shared exciting plans for their next big challenge: representing The Gambia at the WAFU A CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers in Senegal this coming August. To top it off, the team presented a crystal award in recognition of support, along with customized Berewuleng football jerseys to Hon. Minister Badjie and the two Deputy Permanent Secretaries, celebrating the strong bond between the team and national leadership. Minister Badjie hailed the team’s discipline, consistency, and drive, promising full Ministry support as they head to the international stage.

In a move to tighten workplace discipline and boost punctuality across government offices, the Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination, and Delivery, Honourable Baboucarr Bouy, made an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday afternoon. Joined by top officials—including Lamin F. Jawara (Permanent Secretary, PMO), Sheriff Jallow (PS for Reforms and Delivery), Essa Marong (Director of Performance Management), and Sulayman Ndow (Biometric Systems IT Officer)—the surprise visit aimed to assess staff attendance and time management habits. The team toured offices, engaged with staff, and reviewed biometric records to get a real-time view of staff punctuality and workplace discipline—a key part of the government’s push for stronger accountability across public institutions. “We came without notice to observe the reality on the ground,” said Minister Bouy. “Punctuality is not negotiable in the civil service it’s a core part of professionalism, and we are committed to enforcing it.” he said He called on all ministries to lead by example: “Discipline and dedication must be part of our daily routine.” Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports, welcomed the delegation and praised his team’s commitment. “Unlike other institutions, mobility is not an issue for us—and lateness isn’t a problem here,” he noted. “Our staff consistently show they’re serious about their work.” The visit reinforces government’s resolve to match policy with action and to ensure that discipline and accountability remain the foundation of effective service delivery.

The Seminar on Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership for The Gambia, hosted in Beijing under the China-Aid initiative and organized by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM), officially concluded on Monday, July 21, 2025, with a grand closing ceremony, certificate presentation, and farewell luncheon. The two-week seminar brought together 30 dynamic Gambian youth leaders, selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, for an intensive program that combined academic sessions, field visits, and cultural exchange activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and bilateral cooperation. In her heartfelt closing remarks, Mberry Jobe, Deputy Executive Director of the Gambia National Youth Council, expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire delegation, describing the experience as “unforgettable and transformative.” “This seminar significantly strengthened the friendship between China and The Gambia. The lectures, practical visits, and cultural exchanges have broadened our perspectives and deepened our commitment to national development,” she said. Jobe reflected on key moments from the program, including lectures on China’s political system, cross-border e-commerce, and poverty alleviation, along with visits to cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the Hongqiao Pearl Market. The team also traveled to Harbin, where they toured the Digital Trade Industrial Park and the headquarters of Longjian Road and Bridge Co., Ltd.—the company behind the iconic bridge spanning the Gambia River. “We were particularly moved to witness Longjian’s role in our country’s infrastructure. It stands as a true symbol of the strong partnership between our two nations,” she added. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Wu Wei, Director of the Executive Department of China-Aid Training Programs at AIBO, praised the Gambian participants for their active engagement and leadership. “You brought curiosity, passion, and purpose to every moment of this seminar. Your visit to Harbin, your conversations, and your enthusiasm have left a lasting impression. You are the future of The Gambia, and we believe you will carry this experience into the next chapter of your country’s progress,” Mr. Wu stated. The seminar concluded with a farewell luncheon and the awarding of certificates to all 30 participants. Before their departure, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Gambian Embassy in Beijing, where they shared their experiences and expressed appreciation for the embassy’s continued support throughout their stay. The first group of participants arrived safely in The Gambia on Tuesday, July 22, with the remaining members returning on Wednesday, July 23. As the delegation returns home, the message is clear: the knowledge gained and friendships formed in China will serve as a springboard for national development initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and deeper Gambia–China collaboration. The seminar is part of China’s continued efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South Cooperation to promote global development through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and people-to-people diplomacy.