Twenty-seven (27) young individuals from Central and Upper River Regions, benefitted in the 2nd Batch of the Apprenticeship Training Program (ATP), funded by the Government of the Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and implemented by the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), stood as beacons of hope and promise for the future.
The achievement unfolded at the Basse Youth and Sports office was attended by dignitaries from the area, alongside parents of the beneficiaries, graced the ceremony.
In her keynote speech, Ms. Ndey Marie Njie , Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reaffirmed the government's commitment to youth development and skill acquisition for sustainable growth. She stressed the importance of collaboration with development partners, recognizing the collective effort required to meet the diverse needs of the youth.
Musa Jarra, Regional Youth Coordinator, welcomed guests and participants alike with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the stage for the day's festivities.
As the graduates took their place before the audience, the Permanent Secretary congratulated them on their remarkable achievement. She reminded them that their journey was not merely about acquiring skills but also about shouldering the responsibility of becoming ambassadors of youth empowerment and development, catalysts for positive change within their communities.
Mr. Abass Bah, Executive Director of the National Youth Service Scheme, emphasized the significance of the training program in equipping young people with essential skills. Despite challenges, including participant dropout rates, he underscored the program's importance in reaching youth across the nation and promoting decentralization.
Dr. Morro Krubally delved into the transformative power of skills acquisition, urging the graduates to leverage their newfound knowledge for personal and communal advancement. His impassioned words resonated with the audience, igniting a collective determination to harness the potential within each graduate.
Mamading Ceesay, Deputy Governor of the Upper River Region, shed light on the harsh reality of irregular migration, highlighting the graduates' pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities. As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduates stood poised at the threshold of endless possibilities, their hearts filled with gratitude, determination, and a profound sense of purpose.
Essa Krubally, one of the beneficiaries, expressed heartfelt thanks to the government for its initiatives and called for more programs geared towards the development of youth, echoing the sentiments of his fellow graduates.
27 Certificates were awarded to the graduands
