The National Council of the Gambia YMCA has officially launched, last Friday,  an immense project based on Skill Training and Enterprise Development (STED). A four-year project (2008-2012) which is co-funded by Big Lottery Fund (BLF) and Y'care International both UK based relief organisations.

In his statement, Mass Axi Gye, Secretary of State for Youth and Sports said that this new initiative is in line with Governent's expectations that are geared towards addressing the many challenges of young peoples in the Gambia."This new project we are launching today is exactly what the Gambia needs to move forward in its socio-economic development as to will create economic independence and improved livelihood for the expected beneficiaries,'' he said. He added: ''Young people should be ready to participate effectively for their own growth by choosing relevant skills to fill the needs of our country today."

SoS Gye futher indicated that the days are gone, when young peoples sit at the junction or in the ghetto drinking "ataya" the whole day. ''Potential engagement of young people is what the Gambia needs and each person has a stake,'' he hinted.

For his part, Simon Cole, chairperson Gambia YMCAs development and programme committee said, the aim of the project is to reduce poverty and social exclusion amongst vulnerable and disadvantaged young people living predominantly in rural and semi-rural areas.

He went on to say that the project will also engage local, regional and national policy makers so as to ensure that key duty bearers are not only better able to enforce and protect the rights of young people, but also honour the commitments made by the government under national and international legal frameworks.

"Vocational training will be provided to disadvantaged young people through the franchise training providers will be engaged by the YMCA to design spoke training courses that meet the particular needs of the target beneficiaries modules on business management, entrepreneurship, financial management and life will be built into all vocational training skills courses.  Inorder to give trainees the best possible chance at securing gainful employment or starting a successful micro-enterprise.  Each training programme will consist at three core components", he said.