His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia today launched the National Youth Service Graduate Programme at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
The programme been implemented by the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) in partnership with the University of The Gambia is funded by the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
It recruited 100 young graduates from the University of the Gambia who will be serving one one-year internship in various institutions in the country.
The graduate programme will provide these young people the opportunity to have job experience, skills, and employment.
"Our dear young people, understanding that more than 63 % of our population is under the age of 35, my government has, since its inception continued to devise strategies to empower and create opportunities for youth both in terms of education, training, and sports," said President Barrow.
He said his government is aware of the realities on the ground, and the need to create more job opportunities for the youth.
"We are also not unmindful of the fact that the youth are the backbone of any nation. This is the more reason the government of the Gambia is working tirelessly in making sure that the youths gain meaningful employment in this country," he said.
Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports said the graduate programme is designed to empower young people and avail them opportunity to serve their country as well as create pathway for knowledge building, skills acquisition and employment. opportunity.
"You been the first batch means you will serve as the ambassadors of this programme, its success will largely depend on how well you do in a place where you are going to be placed," he told the graduates.
He told the graduates that the idea of the youth service scheme is not of luxury. "You shouldn't be expecting you will go in there and continue to enjoy or have a good time, is a period for you to take as a learning call for you and able to understand that civil service is for those who are dedicated, committed and ready to serve the people," he said.
