The first day of the Ministry of Youth & Sports four-day Performance Review Retreat, sponsored by ActionAid International The Gambia , concluded with an in-depth review of the 2026 Nationwide Tour and Town Hall Meetings.
The nationwide engagement saw Ministry officials travel across the length and breadth of the country, beginning with courtesy calls on regional governors and culminating in interactive town hall discussions with young people and local authorities.
These engagements created an important platform for direct dialogue, allowing youths to voice their concerns, share ideas, and engage meaningfully with government on development programmes aimed at expanding socio-economic opportunities.
Key issues raised by participants included the urgent need to scale up opportunities in critical sectors such as youth empowerment through skills acquisition , recreational centres nationwide, drug abuse advocacy and sports infrastructure areas widely seen as vital pathways for youth empowerment and employment.
During the retreat, youth and sports coordinators, alongside other officials, carefully scrutinized the reports from the tour, assessing key findings and drawing actionable recommendations. The discussions focused on shaping a clear way forward that aligns with the Yiriwaa National Development Plan, ensuring that youth-focused interventions remain impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.
The retreat will serve as a strategic platform for reflection, coordination, and renewed commitment to advancing the national youth and sports agenda as the satellite institutions begin activity presentations Wednesday.
