Officials of the Department of State for Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the executive members of the Ansaar (Helpers) Agency, a Muslim youth organisation, on Tuesday, reached out to Frankfurt Youths in Old Jeshwang and the Handover Youths of Serrekunda, where they discussed an array of issues affecting their lives, including unemployment, harmful drugs, illegal migration and attitudinal change.

The delegation from the state department comprised Mambayick Njie, the permanent secretary, Alieu Jammeh, the principal assistant secretary, and Malang Jassey, the director of Youths and Sports.

Ansaar was founded to help change the attitudes and behaviours of the youth in ghettos, through the provision of social services.

Speaking at both meetings, Abu'bakr Jeng, the Amir of the Ansaar Agency, praised Allah for giving them the opportunity to carry out such a noble task. Mr Jeng preached to the youth about the expectations of Allah and also their roles and responsibilities to their community.

According to Amir Jeng, it is the first time in the history of The Gambia that the officials of the Department of State for Youth and Sports abandoned the conduciveness of their offices for such an important assignment.

For his part, Mambayick Njie, the permanent secretary at the Department of State for Youth and Sports, thanked Ansaar Agency for the initiative. He said religion and culture are needed to build a fruitful future for "our children".

PS Njie, therefore, called on the youth to organise themselves in the form of youth groups, register with the Attorney General's Chambers and request for support from the Department of State for Youths and Sports in order to improve their lot.

He told the youths that President Jammeh attaches a great importance to the youth of this country and advised them to be always obedient to their parents. He also discouraged them from the use of cannabis and other harmful drugs.

Malang Jassey, the director of Youths and Sports, also expressed the same sentiments.
Muhammed Lamin Hydara, fondly called Naria, a ghetto youth leader at Old Jeshwang, expressed delight at meeting with the officials from the Department of State for Youth and Sports to discuss problems affecting them directly.

Mr Hydara appealed for help from the Department of State for Youth and Sports in the areas of skills and multi-purpose centres, where they can explore their talents and skills.

Skeikh Omar Faoutiyu Jack, another ghetto youth at Handover in Serrekunda, thanked Ansaar and the Department of State for Youth and Sports for organising the campaign. He called on the government to support them in order to contribute effectively to national development.

Other speakers at the meetings included Malang Sanyang, Pap Ousman Kanteh and Omar Chune, all ghetto youths.